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A HISTORY 


or THE 

birds of new ZEALAND. 


BY 

SIR WALTER LAWRY ROLLER, K.C.M.G., 

D.Sc., F.R.S., 

F.L.S, F.G.S., F.R.G.S., F.R.C.I., Hon. F.S.Sc. ; 

‘ OPFICIEK DE E’lK-SIKirCTrON PUBLIftlJE’ DE LA FEAlfCE J 
OALILEIAN MEDALLIST OF THE FACHLir OF NATHRAL SCIENCES, ROYAL TOIVBRSITT, FLORENCE - 
CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, OF THE AMERICAN OHNITHOLOGISIs’VnION, 
AND OF THE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF VIENNA ; 

MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ HNION, OF THE PERMANENT INTERNATIONAL 
COMMITTEE ON ORNITHOLOGY, OF THE ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITHTE OF GREAT BRITAIN, 

AND OF THE NEW-ZEALAND INSTITUTE. 


SECOND EDITION. 


VOLUME II. 



LONDON: 

PUBLISHED {FOR THE SUBSCRIBERS) BY 

THE AUTHOR, 

8 VICTORIA CHAMBERS, VICTORIA STREET, WESTMINSTER, S.M^. 

1888. 


ALEEE 


FLAMMAJl. 



PKINTED BT TATBOK and FRANCIS, 
RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


VOLUME L 


Page 

Titlepase i 

Dedication iii 

Original Prospectus * . v-vi 

Preface to First Edition . - vii-viii 

Notice op the New Edition ix-x 

Preface xi 

Introduction .......... xiii-lxxxiv 

Text 1-236 

Supplementary Notes 237-250 

Extracts prom Keviews. 


Plate I. Blue-wattled Crow (Glaucopis wilsoni). 

Orange-wattled Crow {Glaucopis cinerea). 

„ II. Huia {Heteralocha acutirostris): male and female. 

„ III, Jack-bird {Creadion cinereus). 

Saddle-back (Creadion carunculatus). 

)? IV, North-Island Thrush (Titmagra hectori). 

South-Island Thrush (Turnagra crassirostris). 

5) V. North-Island Tomtit (Myiomoira toitoi). 

South-Island Tomtit (Myiomoira macrocejyhala). 
North-Island Robin (Miro australis). 

South-Island Robin (Miro alhifrons). 


VI. 

VII. 

VIII. 

IX. 

X. 

XI. 

XII. 

XIII. 

XIV. 

XV. 

XVI. 

XVII. 

XVIII. 

XIX. 

XX. 

XXI. 

XXIT. 

XXIII. 

XXIV. 


Yellow-head [CUtonyx ochrocepJiala). 

White-head {Clitonyx alhicapilla). 

New-Zealand Creeper [Certhiparus novae zealandioe). 

Fern -bird {Sphenoeacus punctatus). 

New-Zealand Pipit (Anthus novae zealandioe). 

Black Fantail [Bhipidura fuliginosa). 

Pied Fantail [Bhipidura flahellif era). 

Silver-eye [Zosterops ccerulescens). 

Bell-bird [Anthornis melanura) : male and female. 

Tui or Parson bird [Prosthemadera novas zealandioe) : adult and young. 

Stitch-bird [Pogonornis cincta) : male and female. 

Kifleman [Acanthidositta chloris) : male and female. 

Kock-Wfen [Xenicus gilviventris). 

Bush- Wren [Xenicus longipes). 

New-Zealand Kingfisher [Halcyon vagans). 

Long-tailed Cuckoo [Eudynamis taitensis): adult and young, with Grey Warbler 
[Gerygone Jlaviventris). 

Shining Cuckoo [Chrysococcyx lucidus) ; with young Cuckoo in Warbler’s nest. 

Yellow-fronted, Ked-fronted, and Orange-fronted Parrakeets [Platycercus auriceps, 
P. novae zealandioe, and P. alpinus). ■ 

Kaka Parrot and variety “ Kaka-kura ” [Nestor meridionalis). 

Kea Parrot [Nestor notabilis). 

Kakapo or Owl Parrot [Stringops liahroptilus). 

Morepork [Spiloglaux novae zealandioe). 

Laughing-Owl [Sceloglaux alhifacies). 

New-Zealand Harrier [Circus gouldi) : adult and young. 

Quail-Hawk [Harpa novae zealandioe) : adult and young. 

New-Zealand Quail [Coturnix novae zealandioe): male and female. 

New-Zealand Pigeon [Carpophaga novae zealandioe). 


V 


VOLUME IT. 


Titlepage 
Table of Contents 
List of Subscribers, etc. 
Text . . . . 

Supplementary Notes . 
Index . . . . 


Page 

i 

iii-vi 

vii-xvii 

1-332 

333-340 

341-359 


Plate XXV. New-Zealand Dottrel {Charadrius ohscurus). 

Banded Dottrel {Charadrius hicinctus). 

» XXVI. New-Zealand Shore- or Sand-Plover {Thinornis novce zealandice). 
Wry-billed Plover {Anarhynchus frontalis). 


5) XXVII.* Eed-necked Avocet {Becurmrostra novae hollandiae). 

Pied or White-headed Stilt {Himantopus leucocephalus). 
Black Stilt {Himantopus novae, zealandice). 

j, XXVIII. Chatham-Island Snipe {Gallinago pusilla). 

Southern or Eastern Godwit {Limosa novae zealandice). 

5. XXIX. Black-billed Gull {Larus hulleri). 

Red-billed Gull {Larus scopulinus). 


» XXX. White-fronted Tern {Sterna frontalis). 

Black-fronted Tern {Sterna antarctica). 


XXXI. 
M XXXII. 
» XXXIII. 


Swamp-Hen {Porphyrio melanonotus) ; and variety. 

Moho or Takahe {Notornis mantelli). 

Swamp-Rail {Ortygometra tabuensis). 

Banded or Land-Rail {Rallus philippensis). 


VOL. II. 


* In this Plate seven eighths natural size is inadvertently given for three eighths. 


b 


VI 


Plate 




)9 










9 > 




J5 


)) 


5J 


»> 


99 


99 


>9 


XXXIV. 


XXXV. 


XXXVI. 


XXXVII. 

XXXVIII. 

XXXIX. 

XL. 

XLI. 

XLII. 

XLIII. 

XLIV. 


XLV. 


XLVI. 

XLVII. 

XLVIII. 

XLIX. 

L. 


North-Island Woodlien {Oci/dromm qreiji). 

Black Woodhen {Ocyclromiis fuscus). 

South-Island Woodhen [Ocydromus australis). 

Buff Woodhen {Ocydromus hrachypterus). 

Blue Heron {Ardea sacra). 

White Heron {Ardea egretta). 

New-Zealand or Black-backed Bittern {Botaurus poeciloptilus). 

Pied Shag {Phalacrocorax varius). 

Emperor Shag {Phalacrocorax imperialis). 

Spotted Shag {Phalacrocorax punctatus). 

Chatham-Island Shag {Phalacrocorax feather stoni). 

Wandering Albatros {Dlomedea exulans). 

Laughing or Mottled Petrel {(Estrelata affinis). 

Buller’s Petrel or Shearwater {Puffinus bulleri). 

Brown Duck {Anas chlorotis). 

Auckland-Island Duck {Nesonetta aucklandica). 

New-Zealand Sheldrake or Paradise Duck {Casarca variegata): male and female. 

New-Zealand Shoveller or Spoonbill Duck {Rhynchaspis variegata): male and 
female. 

New-Zealand Scaup {Fuligula novae zealandice). 

Blue Duck {Ilymenolcemus malacorhynchus). 

Yellow-crowned Penguin {Eudyptes antipodum). 

Black Penguin {Eudyptes atratus). 

North-Island Kiwi {Apteryx hulleri). 

Little Grey Kiwi {Apteryx oweni). 

Leg of Dinornis elephantopus — front view. 

Leg of Pinornis elephantopus — back view. 


-■x 


LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS, etc. 


(SHOWING DISPOSAL OF THE ENTIRE EDITION). 


her most gracious majesty the queen. 

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES. 

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY THE EMPEROR OF AUSTRIA. 

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY THE EMPEROR OF BRAZIL. 

HIS MAJESTY THE KING OF ITALY. 

HIS MAJESTY THE KING OF THE BELGIANS. 

HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS THE CROWN PRINCE OF AUSTRIA. 
HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS THE CROWN PRINCESS OF BRAZIL. 
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE FERDINAND OF BULGARIA. 
HIS HIGHNESS PRINCE ROLAND BONAPARTE. 


ABBOT, J. E., Esq., Wanganui, If.Z. 

ADAMS, C. E., Esq., PMlo, lUinois, U.S.A. 

ADAMS, C. W., Esq., Chief Surveyor, Survey Office, Dunedin, 
N.Z. 


ADAMS, Thomas H., Esq., Carcoar, N.S.W. 

ADVOCATES’ Library, Edinburgh. 

AICKEN, G., Esq., Auckland, K’.Z. 

AISLABIE, John H., Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

AITKEN, W., Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

AKROkD, W. E., Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

ALLAA , Alexander S., Esq., Registrar Supreme Court, Wel- 
lington, N.Z. 

ANDERSON, Messrs. J., and Sons, Christchurch, N.Z. 
Andrews, Rov. j. C., M.A., Vice-Chancellor Nevv-Zealand 
University, Nelson, N.Z. 


APPLEBY, Arthur, Esq., Christchurch, N.Z. 
ARBUTHNOT, George G., Esq., 4 Grosvenor Crescent, S 
ARGYLL, His Grace the Duke of, K.G., D.C.L., F.l 
Argyll Lodge, South Kensingtom 
ARTHUR-WORSOP, William H., Esq., Naseby, N.Z. 
ARUNDEL, Jonas, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

ASHER & Co., Messrs., 13 Bedford Street, W. (2 coph 

N.Z. 

INSON, The Hon. Sir Harry A., K.C.M.G., Prer 
Wellington, N.Z. 


VOL. n. 


ATKINSON, William E., Esq., Nelson, N.Z. 

AUCKLAND Institute, New Zealand. 

AUSTRALIAN Museum, Sydney, N.S.W. 

AXUP, Henry, Esq., Wanganui, N.Z. 

BABER, James, Jun., Esq., J.P., Survey Office, Auckland, 

N.Z. 

BAGOT, John, Esq., Adelaide, South Australia. 

BAKER, C. Alma, Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

BAKER, Henry J., Esq. (the late), Waipawa, N.Z. 

BAKER, Hon. Rev. Shirley Waldemar, Premier of Tonga, 
(care of Messrs. Lennox & Co.), Auckland, N.Z. 
RALLANCE, Hon. John, M.H.R., Wanganui, N.Z. 
BALNEAVIS, J. H., Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

BARBER, H. P., Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

BARBER, Henry, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

BARKER, Henry J., Esq., 16 a Cambridge Square, W. 
BARKER, S. D., Esq., J.P., Kynnersley, Temuka, N.Z. 
BARSTOW, R. C., R.M., Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

BARTON, Elliott, Esq., Solicitor, Hawera, N.Z. 

BARTON, W., Esq., B.A., LL.B., Wellington, N.Z. 

BATGER, John, Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

BATHAM, J. M., Esq., J.P., Barrister, Christchurch, N.Z. 
BATHGATE, Alexander, Esq., Solicitor, Dunedin, N.Z. 
BAYFIELD, A. D., Esq., Nelson, N.Z. 

C 


viii 


BEALE, Charles, Esq., Maple Bank, Edgbaston, Birmingham. 
BEAMISH, W., Esq., Puketapn, N.Z. 

BEILBT, William, Esq., Hastings, N.Z. 

BELL, Sir Erancis Billon, K.C.M.G., C.B., Agent-General 
for JS'ew Zealand, 7 Westminster Chambers, S.W. 

BELL, H. D., Esq., M.A., Barrister, Wellington, N.Z. 
BENHETT, Dr. George, E.L.S., 167 William Street, Sydnej', 
N.S.W. 

BICKEllS & Son, Messrs., 1 Leicester Square. (10 copies.) 
BIRCH, Captain A. S., F.R.G.S., Erewhon, hl.Z. 

BIRCH, Paul A. E., Esq., Registrar Supreme Court, 
Napier, N.Z. 

BIRD, Frank, Esq., R.M., Westport, N.Z. 

BISHOP, Thomas, Esq., Hastings, N.Z. 

BLAIR, J. R., Esq., J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 

BLAIR, Robert. Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

BLAIR, William, Esq., C.E., Wellington, N.Z. 

BLAKE, Captain R. T. (care of James B. Graham), Auckland, 
N.Z. 

BLOOMFIELD, T. E. Read, Esq., Riverslea, Gisborne, N Z. 
BLOXAM, A. R., Esq., Registrar Supreme Court, Christ- 
church, N.Z. 

BLUNDELL, Henry, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

BOARDMAN, Alfred, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

BODLEIAN Library, Oxford. (2 copies.) 

BONE, Captain John, R.M.S. ‘ Tongariro.’ 

BOOR, Dr. Leonard, Nelson, N.Z. 

BOOTH, James, Esq., ll.M., Gisborne, N.Z. 

BOSTON Public Library, Mass., U.S.A. 

BOURKE, J., Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

BOUSFIELD, E. H., Esq., Rissington Station, N.Z. 

BOWEN, Hon. Charles C., J.P., Middleton, near Christchurch, 
N.Z. 

BOWERMAN, J. N., Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

BOYD, John T., Esq., Owhaoko, N.Z. 

BRAITHWAITE, A., Esq., J.P., The Hutt, Wellington, N.Z. 
BRAITHWAITE, Robert, Esq., Havelock, Hawke’s Bay, 

N.Z. 

BRANDON, Hon. A. de Bathe, M.L.C. (the late), Wel- 
lington, N.Z. 

BRAY, Thomas, Esq., Wanganui, N.Z. 

BREWER, H. Molyneux, Esq., F.L.S., Wanganui, N.Z. 
BRIGHT, Frederick, Esq., Otaki, Wellington, N.Z. 

BRITISH Museum, London. (2 copies.) 

BRITTAN, F. H., Esq., Kelsie, Burnham, N.Z. 

BROAD, Lowther, Esq., District Judge, Nelson, N.Z. 
BROCKLEBANK, Sir Thomas, Bart., 20 Bixteth Street, 
Liverpool. 

BROGDEN, James, Esq., F.G.S., Porthcawl, South Wales. 
BROUGHTON, W. M., Esq., Hastings, N.Z. 

BROWN, J. A. Harvie, Esq., Dampier House, Larbet. 
BROWN, J. C., Esq., M.H.R., Lawrence, Otago, N.Z. 
BROWN, Dr. W., Dunedin, N.Z. 

BROWNE, W. G., Esq., Manager Union Bank, Wellington, 

N.Z. 


BUCHANAN, W. C., Esq., M.H.R., Tupurupuru, Wairarapa, 

N.Z. 

BUDDLE, Thomas, Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

BULL, James, Esq., J.P., Rangitikei, N.Z. 

BULLER, C. Wesley, Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

BULLER, J. Fletcher, Esq., J.P., Bingera, N.S.W. 

BULLER, W. B., Esq., Manager Bank of New Zealand, 
Dunedin, N.Z. 

BURKE, Edward F., Esq., Gortmore, Dundrum, Co. Dublin. 
(5 copies.) 

BURNE, Joseph, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

BURNES, Alexander P., Esq., Dunedin, N.Z. 

BURNETT, Herbert, Esq., Barrister, Woodville, N.Z. 
BURNETT, W., Esq., J.P., Hawkden Station, Blackstone 
Hills, Otago, N.Z. 

BURNS, Dr. Robert, Dunedin, N.Z. 

BURTON, J. R., Esq., Museum, Wellington, N.Z. 

BUTLER, W. J., Esq., Native Department, Wellington, N.Z. 

CAHILL, Dr. Thomas, Wellington, N.Z. 

CAIRNS, A., Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

CAMERON, Charles, Esq., Turakina, N.Z. 

CAMERON, John, Esq., J.P., Maraugai, Wanganui, N.Z. 
CAMPBELL, Hon. Robert, M.L.C., Manawatu, N.Z. (2 
copies.) 

CANTERBURY Museum, Christchurch, N.Z. 
CANTERBURY Philosophical Institute, Christchurch, N.Z. 
CARKEEK, Morgan, Esq., Otaki, Wellington, N.Z. 
CARLILE, J. W., Esq., Barrister-at-Law, Napier, N.Z. 
CARLYON, Arthur S. G., Esq., Hampden Guavas, Hawke’s 
Bay, N.Z. 

CARROLL, Joseph, Esq., Wairoa, N.Z. 

CARTER, Charles R., Esq., J.P., Wairarapa, Wellington, 

N.Z. 

CATLETT, W. H., Esq., Burwood, N.S.W. 

CAULTON, S. C., Esq., Waimate, Poverty Bay, N.Z. 
CAUTLEY, Lt.-Colonol H., R.E., South Camp, Aldershot. 
CHAMBERLAIN, Walter, Esq., Harborne Hall, Birmingham. 
CHAMBERS, W. K., Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

CHAMPTALOUP & COOPER, Messrs., Auckland, N.Z. 
CHEESEMAN, T. F., Esq., F.L.S., Auckland, N.Z. 
CHRISTIE, John, Esq. (Bank of New Zealand), Gisborne, 
N.Z. 

CLARKE & Co., Messrs. J., Adelaide. (2 copies.) 

CLARKE, J. M‘Cosh, Esq., J.P., Auckland, N.Z. 

CLARKE, Stephenson, Esq., F.Z.S., 4 St. Dunstan’s AUey, 
St. Dunstan’s HUl, E.C. 

CLIFFORD, Sir Charles, Bart., Hatherton HaU, Cannock, 
Staffordshire. 

COATES, Janios, Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

COCK, John H., Esq., J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 

COLENSO, Rev. W., F.R.S., Pres. H. B. Phil. Institute, 
Napier, N.Z. (2 copies.) 

COLENSO, W., Esq., 8 North Parade, Penzance. 

COLLINS, Henry, Esq,, Waikomiti, Auckland, N.Z. 


IX 


C0LLIN8, Dr. William E., Wellington, N.Z. 

COMBES, Edward, Esq., C.M.G., Sydney, N.S.W. 

COMBES, E. H., Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

COMISKEY, Patrick, Esq., J.P., Auckland, N.Z. 

COOK, J. T., Esq., Survey Department, Sydney. 

COOMBS, W., Esq., Palmerston North, N.Z. 

COOPER, Sir Daniel, Bart., K.C.M.G., 6 De Vere Gardens, 
Kensington Palace, W. 

COOPER, Colonel E. H. (per R. H. Porter, 6 Tenterden 
Street). 

COOPER, James, Esq., Havelock, N.Z. 

COOPER, William, Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

CORNISH Brothers, Messrs., 37 New Street, Birmingham. 
COTTON, R. M., Esq., Lake Coleridge, Canterbury, N.Z. 
COTJGHTREY, Dr. Miller, Dunedin, N.Z. 

COUSINS & ATKINS, Messrs., Anckland, N.Z. 
COWLISHAN, W. P., Esq., Solicitor, Christchurch, N.Z. 
CRAIG, J. Wilson, Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

CRAM FORD, J . C., Esq., E.G.S., Reform Club, London. 
CRAM FORD, James Coutts, Esq., J.P., Miramar, M^ellington, 
N.Z. 

CRAWFORD, MTlliam G., Esq., Woodville, N.Z. 

CREWE, David, Esq., Pahiatua, N.Z. 

CROSLAND, H., Esq. (care of Messrs. Murray, Roberts, and 
Co.), Napier, N.Z. 

CROWLEY, Philip, Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S., Waddon House, 
Croydon. 

CULLEN, J. J., Esq., 1 Copthall Chambers, Copthall Court, 

E.C. 

BAKERS, WiUiam, Esq., M.D., Wanganui, N.Z. 
DALGLEISH, John J., Esq., F.Z.S., 8 Athole Crescent, 
Edinburgh. 

DANE, Major Henry C., Sydney, N.S.W. 

DANKS, A. T., Esq., 42 Bourke Street M'’est, Melbourne. 
DAYIES, George Henry, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

DAVIES, John, Esq., Wirokino Station, Foxton, N.Z. 
DAVIES, John M., Esq., Heatherlea, Egerton Park, Rock 
Ferry, Cheshire. 

BE HARVEN, Em., Esq., Rue du Chene, Antwerp. 
BjiNNIS, John, Esq. (care of Hon. E. Mitchelson), Barga- 
ville, Auckland, N.Z. 

benny, Mr. Alfred, Bookseller, 304 Strand, W.C. 

BERBY, His Grace the Earl of, K.G., F.R.S., Kuowsley Halt, 
Prescot. 

BILLON, Philip Gerald, Esq., J.P., Leefleld, Marlborough, 

N.Z. 

BIXON, George, Esq., Astle Hall, Chelford, Cheshire. 
BIXON, John, Esq., Omahu, N.Z. 

BIXON, J. J., Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

BOBSON, Robert, Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

BODDS, AV. T., Esq., Assistant-Inspector N.-Z. L. & M. Co., 
Bunedin, N.Z. 

BOWNES, T. G., Esq., Chief Postmaster, Port Chalmers, 

N.Z. 


BRANSFIELB, Joe, Esq., J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 

BREAV, S. H., Esq., Wanganui, N.Z. 

BUBLIN University Library, Buhlin. 

BU CROZ, F. A., Esq., Courtlands, East Grinstead, 

BUFF, Dr. Alexander Groves, J.P., Stoke, Nelson, N.Z, 
BULAU & Son, Messrs., 37 Soho Square. 

DUNN, J. Dove, Esq. (AVright, Stevenson, & Co.), Dunedin, 
N.Z. 

DUTHIE, John, Esq., J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 

EARL, William, Esq., Orongo, Thames, N.Z, 

ECCLES, Br. Alfred, F.L.S., Beverley, Torquay. 

ECCLE8, Dr. A. Leslie, S.S. ‘ Arawa.’ 

EDGELL-HUNT, H., Esq., C.E., F.S.A., 1 Hyde Park Gate, 

S.W. 

EDWARDS, W. B., Esq., Solicitor, M^ollington, N.Z. 
EDWIN, R. A., Commander R.N., M'^ellington, N.Z. 
EIIRENFRIED, L., Esq., J.P., Thames, Auckland, N.Z. 
ELGAR, Charles, Esq., Longwood, M^airarapa, N.Z. 

ELIOTT, George W., Esq., Dunedin, N.Z. 

ELWORTHY, Edward, Esq., J.P., Pareora, Timaru, N.Z. 
ENYS, John D., Esq., F,L.S„ Castle Hill Station, Canter* 
bury, N.Z. 

EVANS, AVilliam, Esq., Timaru, N.Z, 

EVETT, J. 0., Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

EWEN, John A., Esq., 11 BunhiU Row, E.C. 

FANNIN, Eustace, Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

FARAIER, James, Esq., J.P., 6 Porchester Gate, W. 
FENNELL, Rowe, Esq., Woodville, N.Z. 

FENTON, F. D., Esq., J.P., Auckland, N.Z. 

FERARD, B. A., Esq., 67 Pevensey Road, St. Leonards-on- 
Sea. 

FERRIS, Charles MTlliam, Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

FIRTH, Josiah C., Esq., Auckland, N.Z. (2 copies.) 
FISCHER, Dr. C., F.L.S., Sydney, N.S.W. 

FISCHER, C. 0., Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

FITZGERALD, Robert D„ Esq., F.L.S,, Surveyor-General’s 
Office, Sydney. 

FITZGERALD, William, Esq., Solicitor, AVcllington, N.Z. 
FITZHERBERT, H. S., Esq., Solicitor, Wellington, N.Z. 
FITZHERBERT, Hon. Sir MTlUam, K.C.M.G., Speaker of 
the Legislative Council, Wellington, N.Z. 
FITZHERBERT, William A., Esq., J.P„ The Hutt, AVel- 
lington, N.Z. 

FITZWILLIAM, the Right Honourable Earl, 4 Grosvenor 
Square, S.W. 

FLINT, G. B., Esq., Wairoa, N.Z. 

FLORANCE, R. Stone, Esq., Woodville, N.Z. 

FORD, J. B., Esq. (Miles & Co.), Hereford St., Christchurch, 

N.Z. 

FRANCIS, Dr., F.L.S., Red Lion Court, Fleet Street. 
FRASER, Donald, Esq., Rangitikei, N.Z, 

FRASER, Hon. Captain, M.L.C., Dunedin, N.Z. 

FREEMAN, Henry James, E.sq., AA'’ellington, N.Z. 

2 


X 


FEIEDLANDER & Sohn, Messrs., Carkt. 11, Berlin. 
EETER, James A., Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

GALBRAITH, Erskine, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

GARDINER, RalpR, Jun., Esq., Shakespeare Road, Napier, 

N.Z. 

GASKELL, Major J. B., Hill Cliffe, Woolton, Liverpool. 
GEAR, James, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

GENERAL Assembly Library, Wellington, N.Z. 

GEORGE, J. Rees, Esq., J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 

GEEOLD & Co., Messrs., Vienna. 

GILLIES, Robert, Esq., E.L.S. (the late), Dunedin, N.Z. 
GILMORE, John, Esq., Eilmaron Castle, Cupar, Fife, N.B. 
GISBORNE, Hon. WiUiam, 26 Eaton Place, S.W. 

GLASS, Benjamin, Esq., To Kapu, Wairoa, N.Z. 
GLENDINING, D., Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

GODBY, M.. J., Esq., Barrister, Timaru, N.Z. 

GORE, R. B., Esq., Colonial Museum, Wellington, N.Z. 
GOSWELL, Miss Louisa, Wairoa, N.Z. 

GOULD, George, Esq., J.P., Christchurch, N.Z. 

GOVETT, R. H., Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

GRACE, J. E., Esq., Taupo, N.Z. 

GRAH.iM, Andrew, :Esq., J.P., Gisborne, N.Z. 

GRAHAM, George S., Esq., J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 
GRAHAM, Robert, Esq., J.P. (the late), Auckland, N.Z. 
GRAHAM, W., Esq., P.Z.S., Manor House, Crayford, Kent. 
GRANT, Baron Albert, D.L., Aldwick Place, Bognor, Sussex. 
GRANT, Baroness Albert, Aldwick Place, Bognor, Sussex. 
GREENIP, W. Mason, Esq., 1 & 2 George Street, Mansion 
House. 

GREENWOOD, C. Winn, Esq,, Napier, N.Z. 

GREY, Hon. Sir George, K.C.B., D.C.L., M.H.R., Kawau, 
N.Z. 

GREY, Walter, Esq. (Registrar N. L. Court), Gisborne, N.Z. 
GRIMES, J. Watts, Esq., Lansdown Villa, Stroud, Glouces- 
tershire. 

GUDGEON, Thomas Wayth, Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 
GUDGEON, Major W. E., J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 
GUILDHALL Library, London. 

GULLY, Hugh, Esq., Solicitor, Wellington, N.Z. 

GUNTHER, Dr. Albert, M.A., M.D., Ph.D., E.R.S., British 
Museum. 

GURNEY, J. H., Esq., F.Z.S., Northrepps, Norwich. 

HADEIELD, H. 8., Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

HALES, F. W., Esq., Opawa, Christchurch, N.Z. 

HALL, Hon. Sir John, K.C.M.G., Hororata, Canterbury, N.Z. 
HALL, John W., Esq., Owen Street, Thames, N.Z. 

HALL, W. H., Esq., Survey Office, Sydney, N.S.W. 
HALL-HALL, Mrs., 65 Portsdown Road, Maida Vale. 
HALLETT, Enoch, Esq., Havelock, N.Z. (2 copies.) 
HAMERSLEY, A. St. George, Esq., Barrister, Timaru, N.Z. 
HAMERTON, R. C., Esq., Wellington, N.Z, 

HAMILTON, Augustus, Esq., Petane, N.Z. 

HAMLIN, J. P., Esq., Napier, N.Z. 


HANKINS, J. Herbert, Esq., Solicitor, Palmerston North, 

N.Z. 

HARCOURT, E. W., Esq., Nuneham Park, Abingdon. 
HARCOURT, J. B., Esq., J.P., WeUington, N.Z. 

HARDING, Edwin, Esq., Mount Vernon, N.Z. 

HARDING, Miss Lydia, Rissington, Hawke’s Bay, N.Z. 
HARPER, George, Esq., Barrister, Christchurch, N.Z. 
HARPER, Leonard, Esq., M.H.R., Christchurch, N.Z. 
HARRIS, 0. A., Senior, Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

HARRIS, E. F., Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

HARRISON, Henry Shafto, Esq., J.P., Wanganui, N.Z. 
HART, H. E., Esq., Dunedin, N.Z. 

HATCHARD8, Messrs., Piccadilly, W. (2 copies.) 
HAULTAIN, Arthur T., Esq., Hastings, N.Z. 

HAWKE’S Bay Philosophical Institute, Napier, N.Z. 
HAWKINS, Bayley, Esq., Solicitor, Wairoa, N.Z. 

HEATON, J. Hcnniker, Esq., M.P., 36 Eaton Square, S.W. 
HEATON, William Honniker, Esq., St. David’s, Beckenham. 
HECTOR, Sir James, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., Wellington, N.Z. 
HENDERSON, E. H., Esq., J.P., Gisborne, N.Z. 
HENDERSON, James, Esq., J.P., Fordcll, Papanui, Christ- 
church, N.Z. 

HENRY, Dr. J., J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 

HERBERT, Sir Robert, K.C.B., D.C.L. (Under Secretary of 
State for the Colonies), 42 Eaton Terrace, S.W. 
HERBERT, William H., Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

HESKETH, Edwin, Esq., Solicitor, Auckland, N.Z. 
HEWITSON, Rev. J. R., M.A., Woolwich. 

HEYWOOD, J. M., Esq., Christchurch, N.Z. 

HICKSON, C., Esq., Deputy Commissioner, Wellington, N.Z. 
HILL, H., Esq., Inspector of Schools, Napier, N.Z. 

HILL, Henry H., Esq., Mayfield, Edgbaston, Birmingham. 
HINGSTON, W. B., Esq., Maraokakaho, Napier, N.Z. 
HIRST, W. L., Esq., J.P., Palmerston North, N.Z. 

HISLOP, William, Esq., Taradale, Napier, N.Z. 

HOARE, Captain C. Noel, 6 Bolton Street, Piccadilly, W. 
HOBBS, Richard, Esq., M.H.R., Auckland, N.Z. 

HOCKEN, Dr. Thomas Morland, F.L.8., Dunedin, N.Z. 
HODGE, W. A., Esq., Awanui, East Coast, N.Z. 

HOGG, AUan B., Esq., Woodville, N.Z. 

HOLDERNESS, R., Esq., Christchurch, N.Z. 
HOLDSWORTH, John, Esq., Eccles, near Manchester. 
HOLLANDT, Rechtsauwalt W., Esq., Brunswick. 

HOLMES, William Howard, Esq. (the late), Wellington, N.Z. 
HOPE, T., Esq., St. Ronans, Queen’s Road, Walford. 
HOWARD, Robert J., Esq. (per R. H. Porter, 6 Tenterden 
Street). 

HOWORTH, Henry H., Esq., M.P., Bentcliffe, Eccles, Man- 
chester. 

HUG, Signor Otto, Med. Clair, Christchurch, N.Z. 

HULL, Mrs., Josephine House, South Melbourne. 

HULL, Frederick Onslow, Esq., M.B., Godaiming, Surrey. 
HULME, E. Patterson, Esq., Napier, N.Z. 
HUME-WEBSTER, HOARE, & Co., Messrs., 25 Ahchureh 
Lane, E.C. (20 copies.) 


XI 


HL MPHRIES, H., Esq. (care of Wilson ife Cotterill), Napier, 

HURREY, John R., Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

HUTCHINS, James, Esq., Woodville, N.Z. 

HLTCHIKSON & Co., Messrs., 25 Paternoster Square, 
London ; and Australia. (75 copies.) 

HUTCHISON, George, Esq., Barrister, Wanganui, N.Z. 
HUTTON, Professor E. W., F.G.S., Christchurch, N.Z. 

INDER, Walter, Esq., Nascby, Otago, N.Z. 

INGLIS, C. H., Esq., Christchurch, N.Z. 

IIvNES, Dr. J. E., Gisborne, N.Z. 

IRVINE, S. W. D’Arcy, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

IRMNG, Dr. James, Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch, N.Z. 
ISAACS, Major Alfred E., Auckland, N.Z. 

IZARD, Charles B., Esq., Barrister, Wellington, N.Z, 

JACKSON, Alfred, Esq., WoodviUe, N.Z. 

JACKSON, John, Esq., Mayor, Timaru, N.Z. 

JACKSON, J. Howard, Esq., Lichfield, N.Z. 

JACKSON, Major Wm., J.P., Kihikihi, Waikato, N.Z. 
JACKSON, Samuel, Esq., Solicitor, Auckland, N.Z. 
JACKSON, Samuel, Junior, Esq., Solicitor, Auckland, N.Z. 
JEKYLL, Henry J., Esq., Christchurch, N.Z. 

JELLICOE, E. G., Esq., Solicitor, Wellington, N.Z. 
JENSSEN, Erits, Esq., Palmerston North, N.Z. 

JERVOIS, His Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir William 
E. Drummond, G.C.M.G., C.B., Wellington, N.Z. (2 
copies.) 

JEX-BLAKE, Rev. T. W., D.D., Alvechurch, Worcestershire. 
JOACHIM, George, Esq., Dunedin, N.Z. 

JOHNSON, Hon. G. Randall, M.L.C., WoUington, N.Z. 
JOHNSON, James Woodbine, Esq., J.P., Gisborne, N.Z. 
JOHNSTON, C. J., Esq., M.H.R., WeUington, N.Z. 
JOHNSTON, Hon. John, M.L.C. (the late), Wellington, N.Z. 
JOHNSTON, Hon. Walter W., J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 
JONES, Mr. Edward, Bookseller, 77 Queen Street, Cheapside. 
JONES, Ered., Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

JOYNT, J. J., Esq., Solicitor, Christchurch, N.Z. 

JUDD & Co., Messrs., St. Andrew’s Hill, Doctors’ Commons. 
JURY, J. A., Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

KEATING, J. Ledger, Esq., Buckland Villa, Limes Road, 
Croydon. 

KEBBELL, John, Esq., J.P., Oban, N.Z. 

KEESING, Maurice, Esq., Solicitor, Auckland, N.Z. 
KENNEDY, Captain, Wellington, N.Z. 

KENNEDY, C. D., Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

KERNOTT, Professor, Melbourne. 

KETTLE, Charles C., Esq., Solicitor, Dunedin, N.Z. 

KIDD, Alfred, Esq., Shortland Street, Auckland, N.Z. 

KING, Thomas, Esq., J.P., Now Pl 3 ’mouth, N.Z. 

KINROSS, J. G., Esq., J.P., Napier, N.Z. 

KIRBERGER & KASPER, Messrs., Rohen 134, Amsterdam. 
KIRK, T. W., Esq., Museum, Wellington, N.Z. 


KIRKWOOD, R., Esq., Cambridge, Waikato, N.Z. 

KOHN, Heinrich, Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

KOHN, Siegfried, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

LAMBERT, Bertram, Esq., Te Kapu, Wairoa, N.Z. 

LANG, A. C., Esq. (Murray, Roberts & Co.), Napier, N.Z. 
LANGDON, Dr. I. A., L.R.C.P. Edin., Auckland, N.Z. (2 
copies.) 

LARGE, John T., Esq., Wairoa, N.Z. 

LARGUIER DES BANCELS, Dr. J. J., Director of the 
Zool. Museum, 29 Rue de Bourg, Lausanne, Switzerland. 
LARNACH, Donald, Esq., 21 Kensington Palace Gardens, 
South Kensington. (2 copies.) 

LARNACH, Hon. H. J. M., C.M.G., Wellington, N.Z. 

LA WRY, Rev. H, H., Carleton Gore, Auckland, N.Z. 

LEE, George Edmund, Esq., Solicitor, Napier, N.Z. (2 copies.) 
LEE, John H., Esq., J.P., Te Puke, N.Z. 

LEMON, Dr. Charles, Wellington, N.Z. 

LETHBRIDGE, George Yates, Esq., J.P., Turakina, N.Z, 
LEVIN, Nathaniel, Esq., 11 Gledhow Gardens, South Ken- 
sington. 

LEVIN, W. H., Esq., J.P., WeUington, N.Z. 

LEWIS, John, Esq. (the late), Christchurch, N.Z. 

LEYLA.ND, Edward, Esq., Clive, N.Z. 

LIBRARY of Trinity College, Dublin. 

LILFORD, The Right Hon. Lord, E.Z.S., Lilford HaU, 
Oundle, Northamptonshire. 

LINDAUER, Herr G., Artist, Auckland, N.Z. 

LINNEAN Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly. 
LITCHFIELD, J. J., Esq., 86 St. Helen’s Road, Hastings. 
LOCKE, Samuel, Esq,, M.H.R., Napier, N.Z. 

LOGAN, H. E., Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

LOUGHNAN, R. A., Esq. (Lyttelton Times), Christchurch, 
N.Z. 

LOWE, E. W., Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

LUCAS, C. C., Esq., Solicitor, Gisborne, N.Z. (2 copies.) 
LUCKIE, D. M., Esq., J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 

LUCKIE, I’. D., Esq., (care of Hoadley & Co.), Napier, N.Z. 
LYALL, H. S. H., Esq., Dunedin, N.Z. 

LYON, Colonel W. J., Commanding Military and Volunteers 
(the late), Auckland, N.Z, 

MACBETH, W. W., Esq, (Jliles and Co.), Christchurch, 
N.Z. (2 copies.) 

McCOLL, James, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

McCOY, Professor Frederick, C.M.G., D.Sc., E.R.S., National 
Museum, Melbourne, N.Z. 

McDonald, a.. Esq., J.P., Gisborne, N.Z. 

McDonald, Hector, Esq., Horowhenua, N.Z. 
MACDONALD, J . E., Esq., Chief Judge N.L.C., Auckland, 
N.Z. 

MACDONALD, Thomas Kennedy, Esq., WeUington, N.Z. 
McDonnell, Lt.-Colonel Thomas, N.Z.C., J.P., Wanganui, 
N.Z. (2 copies.) 

McGREGOR, John, Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 


xii 

MACINTYRE, Dr. P., Timaru, N.Z. 

McKAY, Henry, Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

MACKAY, Thomas, Esq., J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 

McKELLAR, Alfred, E.sq., Opawa, Christchurch, N.Z. 
MACKELLAR, Dr. E. D., Auckland, N.Z. 

MACKELLAR, Rev. James, Clyde, Wairoa, N.Z. 

MACKENZIE, Henry, Esq., General Manager Colonial Bank, 
Dunedin, N.Z. 

MACKERRAS, J. T., Esq., Dunedin, N.Z. 

McKERROW, James, Esq., F.R.A.S., Surveyor-General, 
Wellington, N.Z. 

JIcKINNON, Reginald, Esq., Mount Linton, Invercargill, 
N.Z. 

MACLEAN, Christopher H., Esq., Manager Bank of New 
Zealand, Eoxton, N.Z. 

McLEAN, Patrick Sterling, Esq., Solicitor, Napier, N.Z. 
McLEAN, R. D. Douglas, Esq., J.P., Napier, N.Z. 

McLEOD, William 0., Esq., Hastings, N.Z. 

MACMILLAN, Messrs. W. W. & Co., Auckland, N.Z. 
McPHAIL, A., Esq., Bushmere, Gisborne, N.Z. 

MAIR, Captain G., N.Z.C., Auckland, N.Z. 

MAIR, Robert, E.sq., Whangarci, Auckland, N.Z. 

MAIR, Major W., Judge N.L.C., Auckland, N.Z. 
MANAOTAWAKT, Karena, Turakina, N.Z. 

MANCHESTER Free Library, Manchester. 

MANTELL, Hon. W. B. D., M.L.C., W’’ellington, N.Z. 

MARTIN, James C., Esq., Solicitor, Christchurch, N.Z. 
MARTIN, Hon. John, M.L.C., Wellington, N.Z. 

MASON, Mrs., Paradise Flat, Lake Whnkatipu, N.Z. 

MATHIAS, Alured J., Esq., Hamilton Station, Otago, N.Z. 
MATSON, John T., Esq., J.P., Springfield, Christchurch, N.Z. 
MAUDE, William, Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

MAUNSELL, Dr. H. W., Dunedin, N.Z. 

MAXWELL, J. P., Esq., General Manager N. Z. Railways, 
Wellington, N.Z. 

MEESON, John, Esq., B.A., ‘ Woodstock,’ Nelson, N.Z. 
MEINERTZHAGEN, F. H., Esq., F.L.S., Waimarama, 
Hawke’s Bay, N.Z. 

MELBOURNE University Library, Melbourne. 

MELLAND, E., Esq., Dunedin, N.Z. 

MICHIE, Alexander, Esq., Dunedin, N.Z. 

MILES, Alfred, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

MILES, G. Chater, Esq., Timaru, N.Z. 

MILLER, The Hon. Henry John, M.L.C., Fernbrook, Oamaru, 
N.Z. 

MILLER, M. R., Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

MILLS, David, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

MILLS, William, Esq., Dunedin, N.Z. 

MILNE-ED WARDS, Professor A., Nat. Hist. Museum, 
Jardin des Plantes, Paris. 

MITCHELL, Henry, Esq., Rotorua, N.Z. 

MITCHELSON, Hon E., M.H.R., Auckland, N.Z. 

MONTAGU, J. S., Esq., Oamaru, N.Z. 

MONTEITH, H., Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

MOODY, Ridley W., Esq., J.P., Kyber Pass, Auckland, N.Z. 


MOORE, L., Esq., Solicitor, Napier, N.Z. 

MOORE, Thomas, Esq., Woodville, N.Z. 

MOORE, Thomas Richard, Esq., Waimarama, N.Z. 
MORGAN, Miss, Opunake, N.Z. 

MORICE, W., Esq., Matawhero, Gisborne, N.Z. 

MORISON, C. Bruce, Esq., Banister, Woodville, N.Z. 
(2 copies.) 

MORRIN, Thomas, Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

MORRIS, J, F., Esq., Otago, N.Z. 

MOSS, F. J., Esq., M.H.R., Auckland, N.Z. 

MOUNTFORT, Charles W., Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

NANCARROW, J., Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

NANNESTAD, Jacob, Esq,, Palmerston North, N.Z. 
NATHAN, L. D., Esq., J.P., Auckland, N.Z. 

NATURAL History and Antiquarian Museum, Montrose, N.B. 
NELSON Philosophical Society, Nelson, N.Z. 

NEWMAN, Dr. Alfred K., M.H.R., Wellington, N.Z. 
NEWTON, Professor Alfred, M.A., F.R.S., Magdalene Col- 
lege, Cambridge. 

NEWTON, Charles, Esq. (the late), Christchurch, N.Z. 
NORMAN, Leslie A., Esq., Naseby, Otago, N.Z. 

O’BRIEN, L W., Esq., Hastings, N.Z. (2 copies.) 

OLIVER, Hon. R., M.L.C., Tolcarne, Maori HiU, Dunedin, 

N.Z. 

O’MEARA, Edward, Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

O’NEILL, Mrs. AUan, North Shore, Auckland, N.Z. 
O’RORKE, Hon. Sir G. M., Speaker, House of Representatives, 
Auckland, N.Z. 

O’RYAN, William, Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

OTAGO Daily Times and Witness Newspapers Company, 
Limited, Dunedin, N.Z. 

OTAGO Institute, Dunedin, N.Z. 

OWEN, Prof. Sir Richard, K.C.B., F.R.S., Sheen Lodge, 
Richmond Park. 

OXFORD Military College, Cowley, Oxford. 

OXFORD University Library, Oxford. 

PALMER, J. H., Esq., Sydney. 

PARK, William, Esq., Palmerston North, N.Z. 

P^iRK, Leslie J., Esq., Melbourne. 

PARK, Robert, Esq., Dunedin, N.Z. 

PARKER & Co., Messrs. W. R., 41 Conduit Street, W. 
PARKER, Captain Robert Townley (care of Mr. R. H. Porter, 
6 Tenterden Street, W.). 

PARKER, Professor T. Jeffrey, F.R.S., Otago University 
Museum, Dunedin, N.Z. 

PARSONS, Charles T., Esq., Norfolk Road, Edgbaston, 
Birmingham. 

PASCAL, Claude, Esq., Puketotara, Foxton, N.Z. 

PASCAL, Louis, Esq., Puketotara, Foxton, N.Z. 
PATERSON, Edward F., Esq., District Survey Office, Grafton, 

N.S.W. 

PEACOCK, Hon. J. T., M.L.C., Christchurch, N.Z. 


XIU 


PEACOCKE, Gerald L.', Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

PEARCE, Colonel Edward, J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 
pell, Prank, Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

PERHAM, T., Esq., C.E,, WeUington, N.Z. 
perry, Arthur, Esq., Solicitor, Timaru, N.Z. 

PERSTON, W. Robertson, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 
PETHERICK, E. A., Esq., 33 Paternoster Row, E.C. 
PETHERICK & Co., Messrs. E. A., 33 Paternoster Row ; 

and St. James’ Street, Melbourne. (75 copies.) 
PHILRRICK, P. A., Esq., Q.C., The Temple. 

PICKING TON, J. Ormerod, Esq., United University Club, 
PaU Mall East. 

PINW ILL, Andrew, Esq. (Deeds Registry Department), 
Christchurch, N.Z. 

PlhiWILL, Captain Stackhouse, Trchane, Probus, Cornwall. 
PITT, Lieut.-Colonel Albert, Nelson, N.Z. 

PLIMMER, John, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

POLLARD, A., Esq. (Opera Troupe), Dunedin, N.Z. 
POLLEN, Hon. Daniel, M.L.C., Auckland, N.Z. 

POLLEN, Dr. Henry, Gisborne, N.Z. 

PORTER, Mr. R. H., 6 Tenterden Street. (20 copies.) 
PORTER, Captain Thomas W., J.P., Gisborne, N.Z. (2 
copies.) 

POULGRAIN, William, Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

POWNALL, C. A., Esq. (the late), WeUington, N.Z. 
PREECE, Captain George A., N.Z.C., R.M., Napier, N.Z. 
PROBYN, J. W., Esq., Oakfleld, Three Bridges. 

PUBLIC Library, Adelaide. 

PUBLIC Library, Melbourne. 

PUBLIC Library, Sydney, N.S.W. 

PURCHAS, Rev. Dr., Onohunga, Auckland, N.Z. 

PYM, Montagu C. L., Esq., J.P., Dunedin, N.Z. 

QUICK, W. H., Esq., Solicitor, Wellington, N.Z. 

RADCLIEEE Library, Oxford. 

RAMSAY, P., Esq., Hastings, N.Z. 

RATTRAY, J., Esq., Dunedin, N.Z. 

REES, W. L., Esq., Solicitor, Gisborne, N.Z. 

REID, Leonard G., Esq., Assistant Law Officer, Wellington, 
N.Z. 

REID, Thomas, Esq., Wanganui, N Z. 

REID, Walter S., Esq., Solicitor-General, Wellington, N.Z. 
REISCHEK, A., Esq., F.L.S., Auckland, N.Z. 

REYNOLDS, Hon. WiUiam H., M.L.C., Dunedin, N.Z. 
RHODES, John, Esq., Potternewton House, Leeds. 

RICH, E. D., Esq., J.P., Palmerston South, N.Z. 
RICHARDSON, J. H., Esq., Govt. Insurance, WeUington, 
N.Z. 

RICHTER, John Christian, Esq., Palmerston North, N.Z. 
ring, Charles, Esq., J.P., Auckland, N.Z. 

ROBERTSON, G. 8., Esq., J.P., Waireka, Wanganui, N.Z. 
ROBINSON, E., Esq., J.P., Eoxton, N.Z. 

ROBINSOE, Dr. R. R., Christchurch, N.Z. 


ROBINSON, Hon. WiUiam, M.L.C., Cheviot Hills, Cheviot, 
N.Z. (2 copies.) 

ROBSON, C. H., Esq., Pungarehu, Taranaki, N.Z. 
ROCKSTROW, Dr. John E., J.P., Eoxton, N.Z. 

ROGAN, Judge, Auckland, N.Z. 

ROOKES, Colonel Charles Cecil, Auckland, N.Z. 

ROSCOE, J. 11., Esq., 32 Beaumont Street, Portland Place. 
ROTHSCHILD, Hon. Walter, Magdalene CoUege, Cambridge. 
ROUSE, Harry, Esq., Eorby Hall, Bcdale. 

ROWNTREE, W. B., Esq., Woodville, N.Z. 

ROYAL Artillery Institution, Woolwich. 

ROYAL Colonial Institute, Northumberland Avenue. 

ROYAL CoUege of Surgeons, London. 

ROYAL Library, Windsor. 

ROYAL Museum at Elorenoe. 

ROYAL Society of New South Wales, Sydney. 

ROYAL Society of Tasmania, Hobart. 

ROYAL Society of Victoria, Melbourne. 

RUGBY School Library, Rugby. 

RUSSELL, Mrs. Charlotte A.,Invermay, Petersham, Sydney. 
RUSSELL, H. R., Esq., 10 Bury Street, St. James’s. 
RUSSELL, James, Esq., Barrister, Auckland, N.Z. 
RUSSELL, W. E., Esq., J.P., Wanganui, N.Z. 

RUSSELL, Captain W. R., M.H.R., Elaxmore, Hastings, N.Z. 
RUTHEREORD, Alexander J., (Parliament Buildings) Wel- 
lington, N.Z. 

RUTHEREORD, R., Esq., Timaru County, N.Z. 

RYLAND, Ered., Esq., Augustus Road, Edgbaslon. 

SALE, Professor G. S., M.A., University of Otago, N.Z. 
SALTER, C. E., Esq., Solieitor, Christchurch, N.Z. 

SALVIN, Osbert, Esq., E.R.S., 10 Chandos Street, London, 
W. 

SAMS, W. S., Esq., Naseby, Otago, N.Z. 

SAMUEL, Sir Saul, K.C.M.G., C.B., Agent-General for New 
South Wales, 15 Courtfield Gardens, London. 
SAUNDERS, A., Esq,, Auckland, N.Z. 

SCAIEE, A. A., Esq., Nelson, N.Z. 

SCANDRETT, W. B., Esq., Invercargill, N.Z. 

SCHOEN, J. H., Esq., Naseby, Otago, N.Z. 

SCOTT, Professor John H., University, Dunedin, N.Z. 
SEALEY, Edward P,, Esq., Sydney. 

SEDCOLE, Albert W., Esq., Pahiatua, N.Z. 

SEE, Samuel, Esq., Mayor of Grafton, N.S.W. 

SEEBOHM, Henry, Esq., E.L.S., F.Z.S., 22 Courtfield Gar- 
dens, South Kensington. 

SEED, WiUiam, Esq., J.P., WeUington, N.Z. 

SHARPE, R. Bowdler, Esq., F.L.S., Lyndhurst, Sutton 
Court, Chiswick, 

SHAW, Edward, Esq., Barrister, WeUington, N.Z. 

SHAW, Frederick, Jun., Esq., Ponsonby, Auckland, N.Z. 
SHAW, Henry, Esq., Ponsonby, Auckland, N.Z. 

SHEATH, A. P., Esq., Solicitor, Napier, N.Z. 

SHEEHAN, Hon. John, M.H.R. (the late), Wellington, N.Z. 
SHEPHERD, J. Philip, Esq., Wellbury, Marten, N.Z. 


XIV 


SHERA, J. M., Esq., AucHand, N.Z. 

SHERWOOD, G., Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

SHOEST, Er., Esq., Zoological Gardens, Antwerp. 
SHRIMRTON, Walter, Esq., J.P., Matapiro, H.Z. 

SIDET, Charles, Esq., 18 Queen’s Gate Place, South Ken- 
sington, S.W. 

SILVER, S. William, Esq., F.L.S., Letcomb Manor, near 
Wantage, Rerks. (2 copies.) 

SIMCOX, W. H., Esq., J.P., Otaki, N.Z. 

SIMMS, W, H., Esq., J.P., Christchurch, N.Z. 

SIMPSON, R. M., Esq., J.P., WoUington, N.Z. 

SINCLAIR, W., Esq., Solicitor, Blenheim, N.Z. 

SISE, George L., Esq., Dunedin, N.Z. 

SKERMAN, Dr. Sidney, Marton, N.Z. 

SMITH, Charles, Esq., Te Korito, Wanganui, N.Z. 

SMITH, H. G. Seth, Esq., District Judge, Auckland, N.Z. 
SMITH, Montague, Esq., Melbourne. 

SMITH, 8. Percy, Esq., Assistant Surveyor General, Auckland, 

N.Z. 

SMITH, W. D., Esq., Perp. Tr. Co., Dunedin, N.Z. 

SMITH, W. W., Esq., Windsor Park, Oamaru, N.Z. 
SMYTHE, A. B., Esq., Government Insurance, Oamaru, 

N.Z. 

SMYTHE, R. J. S., Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

SMYTHE, W., Esq., Caversham, Dunedin, N.Z. 

SOTHERAN & Co., Messrs., 136 Strand. (35 copies.) 
SOUTH, Marcus Furlong, Esq., Solicitor, Hokitika, N.Z, 
SPENCE, Edwin J., Esq., J.P. (care of Dalgetty and Co., 
Limited), Dunedin, N.Z. 

SPENCER, Charles, Esq., Tauranga, N.Z. 

SPENCER, F. H., Esq., Waipukurau, N.Z. 

SPENCER, Dr. W. J., Napier, N.Z. 

SPERREY, J., Esq., J.P., Property-Tax Commissioner, Wel- 
lington, N.Z. 

STAFFORD, E., Esq., Solicitor, Wellington, N.Z. 

STARK, Arthur C., Esq., M.B., The Cottage, Whiteparish, 
Salisbury. 

STEVENS, John, Esq., J.P., Rangitikei, N.Z. 

STEWART, James, Esq., M. Inst. C.E., Auckland, N.Z. 
STEWART, James, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

STEWART, J. T., Esq., C.E., J.P., District Engineer, Public 
Works Office, W’’anganui, N.Z. 

STEWART, Stewart R., Esq., Tologa Bay, N.Z. 

STORIES, Lieut.-General Sir John, R.E., K.C.B., Good Rest, 
Hayward’s Heath. 

STOUT, Hon. Sir Robert, K.C.M.G., Dunedin, N.Z. 

STUBBS, F. M., Esq., Melbourne. 

STUDHOLME, John, Esq., J.P., Christchurch, N.Z. 

STURM, F. W. C., Esq., CUve, N.Z. 

SUTER, The Right Rev. Andrew Burn, D.D., Bishop of 
Nelson, N.Z. 

SUTHERLAND, John, Esq., Havelock, N.Z. 

SWAINTON, Samuel D., Esq., Tologa Bay, N.Z. 

SWAN, George Henry, Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

SYKES, Joseph, Esq., Solicitor, Auckland, N.Z. 


TAAFFE, Anthony, Esq., 3 Prince’s Terrace, Kensington 
Gardens, S.W. 

TANNER, Thomas, Esq., J.P., Riverslea, Napier, N.Z. 

TATE Institute, Silvertown, E. 

TEESDALE, Alfred, Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

TENNENT, R. C., Esq., J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 
THELWALL, R., Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

THIN, James, Esq., 14 and 15 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh. 
THOMAS, Professor A. P. W., Univ. College, Auckland, N.Z. 
THOMAS, Richard D., Esq., Solicitor, Christchurch, N.Z. 
THOMPSON, F. J., Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

THOMPSON, Joseph, Esq., Riversdale, Wilmslow, Cheshire. 
THOMPSON, J. S. M., Esq., J.P., Wellington, N.Z. 
THOMSON, George M., Esq., F.L.S., Newington, Dunedin, 
N.Z. 

TIFFEN, H. S., Esq., J.P., Napier, N.Z. 

TINLINE, John, Esq., Christchurch Club, Canterbury, N.Z. 
TINNE, John Ernest, Esq., Moystyn Cottage, Mersey Road, 
Aigburth, Liverpool. 

TINNE, Theodore F. 8., Esq., The Beeches, Hawkhurst, 
Kent. 

TOD, Andrew, Esq., Wanganui, N.Z. 

TODD, Alexander, Esq., J.P., The Pines, Waipawa, N.Z. 
TOOMATH, Edward, Esq. (the late), Wellington, N.Z. 
TOULSON, R. Garnett, Esq., WeUington, N.Z. 

TOWNLEY, John, Esq., Gisborne, N.Z. 

TOXWARD, C. Julius, Esq., J.P., Danish Consul, Wel- 
lington, N.Z. 

TRAVERS, W. T. Locke, Esq., F.L.S., Wellington, N.Z. 
TRINDE RS, Arnold, Esq., Ryden’s Road, Walton-on-Thames. 
TRINITY CoUege Library, Dublin. 

TRIPE, Dr. J. Decimus, J.P., Wanganui, N.Z. 

TRISTRAM, Rev. Canon, D.D., LL.D., F.R.S., Durham. 
TRUBNER & Co., Messrs., Ludgate Hill, E.C. (6 copies.) 
TURNBULL, Walter, Esq., Mount Henley, Sydenham Hill. 
TURTON, Graham H., Esq., The Glen, Otago, N.Z. 

ULRICH, Professor H. F., University, Dunedin, N.Z. 
UNION Steam Shipping Company (per James Mills, Esq., 
Managing Director), Dunedin, N.Z. (5 copies.) 
UNIVERSITY Library, Cambridge. 

URQUHART, Arthur T., Esq., F.L.S., Drury, Auckland, 
N.Z. 

VICKERS, James W., Esq., 5 Nicholas Lane, E.C, 
VICKERS, Samuel, Esq., Prince’s Street, Auckland, N.Z. 

WAKEFIELD, C. M., Esq., F.L.S., Belmont, Uxbridge. 
WAKEFIELD, Edward, Esq., M.H.R., WeUington, N.Z. 
(2 copies.) 

WALCH & Sons, Messrs. J., Hobart, Tasmania. 
WALDEGRAVE, John, Esq., J.P., Palmerston North, N.Z. 
WALKER, Alfred, Esq., F.R.G.S., Ponsonby, Auckland, 
N.Z. 

WALKER, E. B., Esq., J.P., Cambridge, Wiakato, N.Z. 


XV 


''VALIvEFi, AV. ^ Gisborne, X.Z. 

^'’ Gisborne, N.Z. 

allace, James, Esq., Wellington, N.X. 

WATT Wellington, N.Z. 

^ ^i^A. JI., Esq., J.P., AVaipiro, Gisborne, N.Z. 

ARD, E. P. p., Jun ^ ^ Solicitor, Gisborne, N.Z. 

'^•^■’ Wangowhare, N.Z. 

^^ EBBER, H. G., Esq., AVairoa, N.Z. 

EBSTER, J. a. Hume, Es(i., J.P., 14 Aldford Street, Par 
Lane, W. 


WELLINGTON Philosophical Society, N.Z. 

WESLEY & Sot, Messrs., 28 Essex Street, Strand. (2 copies.) 

Trederick, Esq., P.R.G.S., The AALddrons, Croydon. 
WESTENRA, Parker, Esq., Canterbury, ELZ. 

W^ESTRUP, Major Charle,s, Gisborne, N.Z. 

AA HELDON, John, Esq., 58 Great Queen Street, Lincoln’s 
Inn Fields. 


W HITAKER, Hon. Sir Frederick, K.C.M.G., Auckland, N.Z. 
WHITCOMB, Fred., Esq., Solicitor, Gisborne, N.Z. 

AAHITE, John, Esq., Solicitor (care of Anderson & Co.), 
Dunedin, N.Z. 

W HITE, John E., Esq., Remuora, Auckland, N.Z. 

AVHITE, T. Leigh, Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

AA^HITE, Thomas AY., Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

AAHIITE, AV. Kinross, Esq., Napier, N.Z. 

AA HITMORE, The Hon. Major-General Sir George, K.C.M.G., 
Commanding Forces, AA-ellington, N.Z. 

AA HITTON, Dr. James, Naseby, Otago, N.Z. 

AAHDDOP, AAulliam, Esq., Wellington, N.Z. 

AAHLKIE, James, Esq., Dunedin, N.Z. 

^A ILKIN, Robert, Esq., J.P. (the late), Christchurch, N.Z. 


AAILJj, AA’illiara, Esq., (Queen Street), Auckland, A'.Z. 
^^ILDIAAIS, Heathcotc, Esq., Solicitor, Hastings, N.Z. 

AA ILLIAAIb, Josejdi H., Esq., J.P., Hastings, N.Z. 
AV^ILLIAMS, J. N., Esq., J.P., Hastings, N.Z. 

WILLIAJIS, W. L. C., Esq., Cambridge, AYaikato, N.Z. 
WILIjIAMS, Captain AY. R., J.P., AA'^elUngton, N.Z. 

AA ILLIAMSON, G. Bell, Esq., 21 Jenner Road, Rectory 
Road, N. 

AA^TLLIAAISON, Hudson, Esq., Barrister, Auckland, N.Z. 
AYILLS, AAGlliam, Esq., Colonial Bank, Dunedin, N.Z. 
AYILSON, Major John, F.R.G.S., Cambridge, AVaikato, N.Z. 
AYILSON, J. L., Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

AYILSON, W. S., Esq., Auckland, N.Z. 

AA"OLF,J., Esq., F.Z.S., Primrose Hill Studios, Regent’s Park. 
AA OOD, F. AY. H., Esq., Resident Agent Government Life 
Insurance Department, Napier, N.Z. 

AA’OOLAND, Alderman, Canning Town, E. 

AA’^OON, Richard AAL, Esq., J.P., Wanganui, N.Z. 

AA'^OON, Ernest, Esq., AYanganui, N.Z. 

AAHIIGHT, Dr. E. Perceval, M.A., Trinity College, Dublin. 
AA^RIGHT, J. F. E., Esq., J.P., AYellingtou, N.Z. 


YOUNG, Dr. James, Riverton, Otago, N.Z. 

YOUNG, J., Esq., AV^ellington, N.Z. 

Y'OUNG, T. AY., Esq., J.P., AA-ellington, N.Z. 

ZIESLER, AY., Esq ., Timaru, N.Z. 

ZOHRAB, Constantine E., Esq., AA^'eHington, N.Z. 
ZOOLOGICAL and Acclimatization Sooietj-, Jlelbourne. 
ZOOLOGICAL Society of London. 


Total: lOOO COPIES. 


A’OL. II. 


d 




NEW ZEALAND DOTTREL 
charadrius obscurus. 


J UDO *. C? LIM IT ED, IM P 


BANDED DOTTREL 

CHARADRIUS BICINCTUS, 


fSEVEN-EIGHTHS NATURAL SIZE) 





Oebee LIMICOL^.] 


[Eam. CHARADEITDiE 


CHAEADEIUS OESCUEUS. 

(NEW-ZEALAND DOTTREL.) 


Dushj Plover, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 211 (1785). 
Charadrius olscurus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 686 (1788). 
Chnradrim glareola, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 109 (1844). 

P! uviorhynchm obscurus, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p, 417 (1856). 


iSative names. — Tutnriwhati and Tuturiwhatu. 


Ad. ptil. (Bstiv. snpra sordicle cinereus, ochraceo-rufo lavatus^ plumis omnibus hoc colore marginatis : collo postico 
paullo dilutiore cinereo ; tectricibus alarum dilute cinereis, pallidius marginatis, majoribus anguste albido 
terminatis : remigibus cinerascenti-brirnneis, extiis et versus apicem saturatioribus, scapis alhis, remigibus 
minoribus et secundariis extimis basin versus albis et conspieue albo terminatis, secundariis dorsalibus dorso 
concoloribus : cauda saturatius brunnefl,, rectricibus externis magis cinerascentibus albo terminatis, penna 
extima fere albida ; loris et supercilio distincto fulvescenti-albis : regione parotica brunnescente : subtus 
ocbrascenti-rufus, genis et gula pallidioribus : hypochondriis cum crisso et subcaudalibus albidis : subalaribus 
et axillaribus albis : rostro nigro : pedibus plumbeis : iride nigr^. 

Ad. ptil. Mem. similis ptilosi aestivae, sed sordidior : suprb dilute cinereus, baud rufescente lavatis : subtus albicans, 
pectore superiore laterali cincrascente. 

Adult in summer. Crown of the head, hind part of neck, and all the upper surface greyish brown, each feather 
narrowly margined with chestnut • a small spot on the forehead, and all the chin white ; throat, fore neck, 
and uuderparts of the body chestnut-brown ; lining of wings, flanks, lower part of abdomen, and under tail- 
coverts white j wing-feathers brownish black, the first primary having the entire shaft white, and the rest 
white in their median portion. Irides and bill black; legs and feet leaden grey. Length 10'5 inches; 
extent of wings 21 , wing, from flexure, 6'5 ; tail 2‘75 ; bill, along the ridge I’l, along the edge of lower 
mandible 1'2; bare tibia '5; tarsus 1'4; middle toe and claw 1'2. 

Adult in 'winter. Upper surface gi eyish brown, without the chestnut margins ; underparts pure white, the breast 
crossed by an interrupted zone of dark grey, and the sides of the body tinged with the same. 

Obs. It ought to be mentioned that the extent and depth of the chestnut colouring of the underparts vary 
appreciably in different individuals. I have found one with the fore neck, breast, and all the underparts of 
a bright rufous brown, whilst in another killed in the same locality and at the same time there is a mere 
wash of chestnut on the underparts. I have seen a pair ( ^ and ? ) shot in company at the height of the 
breeding-season, in both of which there was only a faint wash of cinnamon on the underparts, and much 
white on the secondaries, the outer vanes being almost wholly white. Birds in transitional plumage Avith 
rufous patches, or scattered summer feathers of a bright colour intermixed with the white, are common 
enough and are met with all the year round. 


This fine species, altliough nowhere very plentiful, is dispersed along the whole of our shores, 
frequenting the ocean-beaches and the sand-fiats at the mouths of all our tidal rivers. It, moreover, 
inhabits the interior, and appears to affect very high altitudes. The late Sir J. von Haast sent me 
specimens obtained by him far up in the Southern Alps ; Mr. Enys states that he has met with it at 
VOL. II, 


B 


2 


an elevation of nearly 7000 feet; and Mr. Buchanan informs me that during his ascent of Mount 
Egmont, in company with Messrs. Richmond and Hursthouse, he discovered a pair of these birds on 
the slope of the cone at an elevation of at least 6000 feet. Mr. Travers assures me that he met with 
it in small flocks on the Spencer ranges, in the Provincial district of Nelson, at an elevation above 
the sea of fully 8000 feet ! 

It is more plentiful on the mud-flats and sand-banks of the Kaipara basin and Manukau harbour 
than in any other part of the colony. It is gregarious in its habits, associating in small flocks, which 
fly together from one feeding-place to another and then, scattering themselves, mingle freely with the 
Godwit and other Waders frequenting the same localities. The young birds remain with their 
parents till the breeding-season comes round again. 

It subsists chiefly on small crustaceans, mollusca, and sand-hoppers, and pursues its prey on foot. 
It has a common habit of running about on the dry sand-drift, among the tauhinu bushes, near the 
sea-shore, in pursuit of insects of various kinds. On a close inspection the little footprints may be 
observed in the loose sand running in lines in all directions. When disturbed it rises in the air with 
a rapid vibration of its wings, and flies in a circle, with an occasional sailing movement, when the 
wings are motionless and assume the form of a how. 

An excellent illustration of this bird (in full summer plumage) was given in Gray’s ‘ Birds of 
New Zealand,’ forming part of the ‘ Voyage of the Erebus and Terror.’ 

The example figured in the accompanying Plate, which is likewise in summer garb, was obtained 
on the ocean-beach at Port Chalmers, where this Dottrel is comparatively rare. 

Major Mair writes to me that at Te Arikiroa, a bay in Rotorua lake, he observed numbers of 
these birds running about among the warm springs and along the sulphur-crusted pans, where they 
appeared to be catching insects. 

On the nesting-habits of this species Mr. Potts writes : — “ In the breeding-season I have noticed 
it at such a considerable altitude as the summit of Dog range, in the Ashburton district. The nest 
is difficult to find ; it is so slight an affair that it easily escapes observation — merely a few stems of 
grass twisted into a slight hollow in the ground, so loosely put together that it is not easy to pick it 
up and yet preserve its form. The eggs, three in number, just fill the nest ; they are of a delicate 
soft brown, suffused with dark brown (almost black) marks, somewhat oval in shape, I inch 9 lines in 
length, with a breadth of I inch 3 lines. The young run with speed almost as soon as hatched, and 
conceal themselves with much skill. I have observed eggs and young in the months of October and 
November. I know of one spot where it has bred for several years in close proximity with the 
nests of the Stilt-Plover, the Oyster-catcher, and the Banded Dottrel.” 

There is a good series of eggs in the Canterbury Museum : in some examples the spots and 
markings are blotched, in others they are rounded and distinct, while in some they are more or less 
confluent towards the larger end. In size they average 1-8 inches in length by 1-2 in breadth. 

The same collection contains an egg belonging undoubtedly to the Black-fronted Tern {Sterna 
antarctica), which was taken by Mr. Donald Potts from a nest of this Dottrel near the banks of the 
Rangitata. This is a singular coincidence, because the two birds have nothing in common. In their 
nesting-habits they are entirely dissimilar, the one being gregarious and the other solitary. 

Mr. Robson writes to me that he took from the ovary of a bird he had shot an egg just ready for 
extrusion, and that “ it was ovoido-conical in shape and of a very delicate shade of light greenish blue 
without spots of any kind.” 


Order LIITICOL^.] 


[Fam. CHAEABRIID^. 


CHAEADRIUS BICINCTUS. 

(BANDED DOTTREL.) 


Chestnut-breasted Plover, Lath. Gen. Hist. ix. p. 324 (1824). 
Charadrius bicinctus, Jard. & Selby, 111. of Orn. i. pi. 28 (1825). 
^giahtis bicinctus, Gonld, Syn. B. Austr. pt. ii. (1837). 
Hiaticula bicincta, Gould, B. of Austr. vi. pi. 16 (1848). 
Ochthodromus bicinctus. Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 16 (1871). 


Native names. — Tuturiwhati, Tuturiwliatu, and Pohowera. 


Ad. (Estiv. supvil obscure cinereus, supracaudalibus exterioribus albo terminatis : tectricibus alarum dorso concolori- 
buSj majoribus auguste albo terminatis : remigibus brunneis, extus et versus apicem saturatioribus, scapis 
raedialiter albis, primariis internis ad apicem albis, remigibus minoribus albo conspicue terminatis, secund- 
ariis dorsalibus dorso coneoloribus : caudal saturate brunned, rectrieibus exterioribus cinerascentibus et albo 
terminatis, rectrice extima albicante : fascia frontali latd suprk oculos angustibs ductb alb&, fascia altera 
nigra frontali utrinque marginata : plumis infraocularibus pallide cinerascentibus ; regione parotica cinera- 
scente, dorso concolore : fascia mystacali nigrfi, cum line^ anteriore frontali conjunct^ : subtiis albus, torque 
jugulari latd nigra, altera pectoral! castanea ; subalaribus albis, imis cinerascentibus ; rostro nigro : pedibus 
flavicanti-cinereis : iride nigra. 

Ad. Mem. similis ptilosi sestivfe, sed obscurior : torquibus pectoralibus minoribus, vel interdum obsolete indicatis. 

Adult male. Eorebead white, margined above and below with black ; crown of the head, nape, and all the upper 
surface greyish brown ; from the base of the upper mandible a black streak, which crosses the eyes and 
blends into the grey on the sides of the neck ; throat and fore neck pure white ; across the breast a narrow 
zone of black, and (a short space below it) a broad band of chestnut, which covers the upper part of the 
abdomen; the rest of the underparts pure white; quills brown with white shafts; the middle tail-feathers 
dark brown, with greenish reflections in their apical portion, the lateral feathers paler, with white shafts, 
and the outermost one on each side pure white. Irides blackish brown ; bill black ; legs yellowish grey. 
Length 8‘5 inches; extent of wings 16; wing, from flexure, 5'25 ; tail 2’75; bill, along the ridge '75, along 
the edge of the lower mandible '75 ; bare tibia '5 ; tarsus 1'25 ; middle toe and claw 1. 

Female. Similar to the male, but with the margins of the frontal spot less defined, and the pectoral bands some- 
what duller. 


ttbs. There is a seasonal change of plumage, the chestnut baud becoming considerably reduced in winter, 
although it is never entirely absent in the fully adult bird. 

5 oung. Upper parts suffused with rust-red, each feather having a narrow margin of that colour ; forehead, throat, 
and underparts white with a slight tinge of rufous, the frontal spot being inconspicuous ; a narrow zone of 
daik mottled grey encircles the fore neck, spreading and darkening to greyish brown on the sides of the 
least ; but there is no indication of the pectoral band of chestnut. 

g ing (Taupo, Dec. 24). Feathers of the upper parts brown largely margined with fulvous; underparts 
ite, with fulvous markings on the breast ; the sides of the head and lower part of back and rump covered 
down of a dull sandy yellow spotted with black, and with fluffy down still adhering to other parts of 
o6y. Bill Jark brown ; legs brownish grey. 


4 


Chick. Covered with soft down of a bright sandy yellow on the upper surface, changing to yellowish white on 
the underparts; the crown of the head and the back prettily mottled and varied with dark brown, of which 
there is also a broad streak on the wings and thighs. 


This pretty little Dottrel is very common on our shores, and is frequently met with also at a consider- 
able distance inland. It associates in flocks, and is always to be found on the ocean-beach, or on the 
dry sands and grassy plains in the vicinity of the coast ; but I have also observed it on the Onetapu 
desert, in the interior of the North Island, and it is very commonly met with on the pastures several 
miles fiom the sea. It has been recorded from Lord Howe’s Island ; and Mr. Konald Gunn states 
that it is plentifully dispersed along the northern shores of Tasmania ; but Mr. Gould saw it only 
once in Australia, when, as he informs us, considerable numbers visited a common in the neighbour- 
hood of George lown, and appeared to be acting under some migratory impulse; for, after remaining 
a day or two, they suddenly disappeared. This occurred about the 15th of May, the middle of the 
Australian winter; and the flights consisted of birds of various ages and in difierent states of plumage. 

It is more active in its habits than the preceding species, running swiftly over the sands, and 
stopping at short intervals to bob its head and utter a rather plaintive note. It rises in the air with 
a very rapid movement of its wings, and usually adopts a circular course, the whole flock wheeling 
simultaneously and descending to the ground in an oblique direction. 

It is hard to kill, often flying a considerable distance after being mortally hit with pigeon-shot. 
On taking a wounded bird into my hand I felt almost a sense of remorse at taking its life, the 
lustrous brown eyes of my little victim having a peculiarly soft and tender expression. 

In the high sandy flats near the sea-shore where the bright pingao grass mixes with the wild 
sage, this bird may always be met with in the breeding-season, which commences as early as August ; 
and so perfect an adept is it in the art of deception that I have been decoyed away from its nest and 
young when, as afterwards discovered, they were at my very feet. In the location of the nest itself 
there is very little attempt at concealment, the bird apparently trusting more for protection to the 
assimilative colouring ; but after the young are hatched out, the old birds (and particularly the 
female) manifest considerable solicitude for the safety of their offspring, and feign lameness or a 
damaged wing for alluring intruders away, a device which very often succeeds. The young bird runs 
the moment it quits the shell, and is not slow to second its parent in the art of self-preservation. Its 
sandy colouring makes it almost indistinguishable when squatting on the ground, and it has the 
instinct to remain perfectly motionless the moment it hears the note of alarm, even allowing itself to 
be handled without betraying a sign of vitality. 

I he eggs are generally three in number, broadly oval in form, measuring I’3 inch in length by 
1 in bieadth, and are of a dark grey colour, much speckled and mottled with brown. The numerous 
examples in the Canterbury Museum exhibit some variety in their colouring ; they are of different 
shades of brownish grey, inclining in some to greenish grey, spotted and pencilled or marked all over, 
but especially at the larger end, with brownish black. The specimens vary not only in the tone of 
the ground-colour, but also in the form and extent of the markings, some being very handsomely 
pencilled and spotted, whilst others have a dark or blotched appearance, particularly at the larger end. 

I once discovered a nest of this species in a grass paddock at Manawatu, several miles from the 
sea-shore ; and on my taking up one of the chicks, the old birds flew round me in circles and gave 
vent to their anxiety in a rapid clicking note, in which both of them joined. This was on the 22nd 
of December, and the young birds appeared to have only just emerged from the shell. 

I sketched this nestling, although I did not preserve the specimen, and my drawing is 
reproduced in the woodcut on p. 15. 


Okdee LlillCOL^.] 


CHAEADRIUS EUFIC APILLUS. 

(RED-CAPPED DOTTREL.) 


[Fam. CHARADRIID^. 


Charadrius mficapillus, Temra. PL Col. vol. v. pi. 47. fig. 2 (1838). 

Htaticula ruficapilla, Gould, Birds of Austr. fol. vol. vi. pi. 17 (1848). 

^gialophilus ruficapillus, Gould, Handb. Birds of Austr. vol. ii. p. 235 (1865). 

■d-d. pallide cineiascenti-brunneus, alarum tectricibus vix pallidioribus, majoribus albo terminatis ; ala spuria, 
tectricibus primariorum et remigibus fuscescenti-brunneis, scapis albis, secundariis intimis dorso concolori- 
bus . supiacaudalibus saturatiiis bruuneis, lateralibus albis : rectricibus medianis saturate brunneis, proximis 
pallidioribus albo marginatis, reliquis albis : pileo et collo postico pallide ciunamomeis : fronte alb^, postice 
nip,io fasciata: striga lorali et fascia supraparotica nigris : subalaribus quoque albis, imis majoribus 
ciueraseentibus. 

Adult male. Eorebead crossed by a broad band of white, which diminishes to a point at the posterior angle of 
the eye , above this a narrow band of black ; crown, nape, and back of neck bright rust-red ; a line of black 
from the gape extending across the eyes and down the sides of the neck, forming an edging to the rust-red 
coloui j back, rump, and upper surface of wings pale greyish brown, eaeh feather margined with a lighter 
tint , tail-feathers white, except the two middle ones which are brown ; throat, fore neck, and entire under 
surface pure white. Irides and bill black ; legs and feet greyish blaek. Total length 5-75 inches; wing, 
from flexure, 4 ; tail ’9 ; bill, along the ridge '6, along the edge of lower mandible *7 ; bare tibia "4 ; 
tarsus 1 ; middle toe and elaw ’75. 

Female. Differs from the male only in the paler tints of the plumage. 

Obs. Some specimens have a faint wash of fulvous on the breast and sides of the body. 


F this Dottiel, which is widely distributed along the shores of Australia, a single straggler has been 
lecoided in New Zealand *. This was obtained on the ocean-beach near Waikanae, in the North 
sland, and the specimen (from which the above description of the adult male was taken) is norv in 
the Colonial Museum at Wellington. 

Like many other members of the extensive family to which it belongs, this species resorts to very 
ever devices for the purpose of diverting attention from its nest and young, feigning lameness or a 

iippled wing, and simulating, in a very remarkable manner, the actions of a partially disabled or 
wounded bird. 


inch describes the eggs as being one and a quarter inches in length by seven eighths of an 

black^^ bieadth, and of a pale stone-coloui', sprinkled all over with small irregular blotches of brownish 


* T. W. Kirk, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. xii. p. 246. 


Ordee LIMICOLjE.] 


[Fam. CHARADEIID.E. 


CHAEADRIUS FIJLVUS. 

(EASTERN GOLDEN PLOVER.) 


Fulvous Plover, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. p. 211 (1785). 

Charadrius fulvus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 687 (1788, ex Lath.). 

Charadrius pluvialis, Horsf. Tr. Linn. Soc. xiii. p. 187 (1822). 

Charadrius xanthoclieilus, Wagl. Syst. Av. Charadrius, sp. 36 (1827, ex Lath.). 
Charadrius faitensis, Less. Man. d’Orn. ii. p. 321 (1828). 

Charadrius virginianus, Jarcl. & Selby, 111. Orn. ii. pi. Ixxxv. (c. 1830). 
Charadrius glaiteopis, Forster, Descr. Anim. p. 176 (1844). 

Charadrius virginicus, Blyth, Cat. B. Mus. A. S. B. p. 262 (1849, nec Borkh.). 
^^Pluvialis longipes, Temm.,” Bonap. C. K. xliii. p. 417 (1856). 

Pluvialis xanthocheilus, id. torn. cit. p, 417 (1856). 

Pluvialis taitensis, id. tom. cit. p. 417 (1856). 

Pluvialis fulvus, id. tom. cit. p. 417 (1856). 

Charadrius auratus, Schrenk, Reis. Amurl. Vog. p. 410 (1860). 


Ad. Mem. supr^ brunneus, pluinis ochrascenti-fulvo ubique marginatis : collo postico cinerascente : tectricibus 
alarum cinerascenti-brunneis, albido et pallide ochraceo maculatis, majoribus magis conspicue albo terminatis ; 
remigibus brunneis, versus apicem nigricautibus, secundariis elongatis extbs ocbrascenti-fulvo maculatis, 
remigibus minoribus anguste albo terminatis : reetricibus cinerascenti-brunneis, albo terminatis, exterioribus 
satnrate brnnneo variis : loris albicantibus : facie lateral! et supercilio indistincto ocbrascenti-albis, brunneo 
notatis, regione parotica saturatiiis brunne^l : subtus albescens, pectore superiore et lateral! fumoso, 
ochrascenti-fulvo lavato : subalaribus et axillaribus pallide fumosis : rostro nigro : pedibus plumbeis : iride 
fuseb. 

Ad. (Bstiv. pectore nigro distinguendus : supercilio lato cum collo et pectore lateralibus albis, his nigro notatis. 

Adult in winter. Crown of the head, hind part of neck, and all the upper surface brownish black, each feather 
marked on both webs with rounded spots of pale golden yellow ; on the nape these yellow markings are 
confluent, and on the scapulars they are paler, these feathers having likewise a terminal margin of yellowish 
white ; lower part of forehead, sides of face, and throat fulvous white ; ear-coverts dark brown ; fore neck 
tawny white, largely mottled and spotted with bi’own ; the rest of the underparts fulvons white, clouded 
with brown ; lining of wings and axillary plumes pale smoky grey; quills blackish brown, with white shafts ; 
the long inner secondaries with a series of triangular yellow spots along the outer edge of both webs ; wing- 
coverts greyish brown, margined with yeRowish white ; tail-feathers blackish brown, tootbed on both webs, 
and terminally margined with yellowish white. Irides dark brown; bill black; legs and feet plumbeous. 
Length 10 inches ; wing, from flexure, 6 75 ; tail 2'5 ; bill, along the ridge '9, along the edge of lower 
mandible 1 ; bare tibia 1 ; tarsus 1'6 ; middle toe and claw 1’25. 

Adult in summer. Upper parts darker, and with the golden spots larger and more conspicuous ; a band across 
the forehead, and continued over the eyes down the sides of the neck, fulvous white ; throat, cheeks, fore 
neck, breast, and abdomen black, with a few white feathers intermixed ; sides of the body white, varied with 
black ; inner lining of wings and axillary plumes smoky grey ; under tail-coverts white, with irregular 
transverse bars of black. 


7 


ilie following is the description of a specimen shot near Christchurch in the summer of 1885 : — Crown 
of the head, hind neck, mantle, back, rump, and long inner secondaries brownish black, marked all over with 
spots of golden yellow, which diminish in size but become narrower on the head and neck, presenting on 
t esc parte a mottled appearance; on the upper wing-coverts the yellow markings are absent, the feathers 
eing variegated with greyish white ; a broad band of white crosses the forehead and, passing over the eyes, 
extends down the sides of the neck and expands on the sides of the breast. Sides of the head, fore neck, 
and centre of breast slaty black, which becomes mixed with white towards the throat (in which respect alone 
it differs from a specimen in summer dress from Sweden, with which I compared it); the whole of the 
abdomen slaty black, variegated with white ; sides of the body white, irregularly barred and marked with 
ac ^ , the feathers near the insertion of the wings narrowly margined with yellow ; the entire inner lining 
of wings delicate ash-grey; wing-feathers brownish black with white shafts; the tail-feathers blackish brown 
o scuiely barred with greyish white. Bill black; tarsi and toes greyish black. Total length 11 inches; 
vfiiij,, fioin flexure, 6'75 ; tail 2'5 ; bill, along the ridge 1, along the edge of lower mandible 1'25; bare 
tibia '75 ; tarsus 1-75 ; middle toe and claw 1-25. 


Obs. The sexes aie alike, except that in the adult female the golden spots are less conspicuous than in the male, 
the neck-markings are less distinct, and there is a faint wash of yellow on the breast. 

The above description of the winter plumage is taken from a New-Zealand example presented to the 
British Museum by Miss R. Stone. 

In the Colonial Museum there is a fine specimen obtained at Worser Bay, near Wellington, and first 
recoided by Mr. 1. W. Kirk*. In this bird there is a slight wash of yellow over the throat, sides of the 
ead, and fore neck ; the yellow spots on the mantle and long inner secondaries are very distinct, and the 
daik mottling on the fore neck and breast is very pretty. 

In the Auckland Museum there are two specimens and $ ) shot together at Manukau harbour early 

m December 1880. Both of these are in winter plumage, although they show signs of being about to 

assume the summer dress. Mr. Cheeseman states that ten or twelve were observed at the time these were 
killed t. 

I have before me two birds (both marked ? ) obtained by Mr. Robson on Portland Island in September 
and November respectively. The larger of the two gives the following measurements : — Total length 10 
inches, wing, from flexure, 7’25 ; tail 2'75 ; bill, along the ridge ‘95, along the edge of lower mandible 1 ; 
bale tibia 75 ; tarsus 1’6 ; middle toe and claw 1‘25. One of these is in unmistakable summer plumage, the 
ac of the upper surface being pronounced and the yellow spots round and bright ; the fore neck, breast, 
domen, and flanks irregularly marked with blotches of black, intermixed or softly blended with the greyish 
giound colour and slightly suffused on the breast with yellow ; lining of wings and axillary plumes smoky 
§ 7} upper surface ot wings blackish brown, vandyked and varied with white, but without any yellow 
1 ®^cept on the long inner secondaries ; wing-feathers and tail blackish brown, the latter handsomely 

and their coverts vandyked with greyish white. Bill black ; legs greyish brown (probably tinged with 
g in the flesh bird). The other has much less yellow on the upper surface, the spots being small and 
istinct , thei e is an absence of dark markings on the underparts ; the fore neck and breast ai’e pale fulvous 
brown varied with grey ; and the abdomen is yellowish white. 


an, d ^ I^resser s Birds of Europe, where the above synonymy has already appeared, there is 
east ■ ^ exhaustive account of this species, which appears to have a very wide range in the 

author World, but only rarely makes its appearance in Europe. The above-named 

Palmarlt'^^-^ enumerated the localities in which it has occurred within the limits of the Western 
name If ^ express their belief that this is the bird mentioned by Pallas, under the 

flocks alon ^ being exceedingly common in Siberia, whence it migrates in the autumn in 

g with other species, to more southern latitudes. Steller observed it in Kamtschatka in 


Ivans. R.-Z. Inst_ 


t Of. also Cheesoman, Trans. K.-Z. Inst. vol. xiv. p. 204. 


8 


autumn, and states that it breeds within the polar circle. Mr. Swinhoe gives its range as extending 
throughout Cliina. He procured it between Takoo and Peking, and says that it is a common bird 
near Canton, where it passes the summer, while at Formosa it is plentiful all the year round, breeding 
in great abundance on the south-west marshy plains. In the ‘ Museum des Pays-Bas,’ Prof. Schlegel 
has recorded a list of specimens, more than sixty in number, contained in the Leyden Museum, from 
which it would appear that examples have been collected in nearly every island of the Malay archi- 
pelago. Dr. Jerdon writes ; — “ The Golden Plover occurs throughout India in open plains, grassy 
downs, ploughed fields, and on the edges of rivers, lakes, &c., associating in fiocks of various magnitude 
and feeding on beetles and other land-insects, worms, &c. ; ” and Mr. Holdsworth reports that it 
is very common in winter in the northern portion of Ceylon, sometimes extending as far south as 
Colombo. Mr. Gould records that it is generally dispersed over all the colonies from Tasmania to 
the extreme north of the continent of Australia, and adds that “ its habits, manners, and general 
economy so closely resemble those of the Golden Plover of Europe, that a description of one is equally 
characteristic of the other.” Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub have given a full account of the distribution 
of the species among the islands of the South Pacific ; and Dr. E. Graffe, writing from Tongatabu, 
says that it is found on that island all the year round, but is most numerous from October to March 
and during the season of migration. It occurs occasionally on the New-Zealand coast, but apparently 
only as a straggler, and almost always in winter plumage. 

Several examples have been obtained in the Manukau harbour, and two of these ( d and $ ) are 
in the Auckland Museum, but it has not yet been found breeding there. Several others have been 
taken on the Wellington coast, two of which are in the Colonial Museum; while in the South Island 
small flights have been observed on the shores of Lake Ellesmere, and one or two specimens obtained 
on the south-east coast of Otago. 

From Portland Island I received, through the courtesy of Mr. Eobson, two specimens, one of 
which is in winter plumage, whilst the other has partially assumed the summer dress. The same 
correspondent was fortunate enough to discover its breeding-place, and he sent me some interesting 
notes, which I communicated at the time to the Wellington Philosophical Society *. He says : — “ On 
the 9th of January last a Golden Plover was found sitting on three eggs at the northern end of 
Portland Island. The nest is a very simple afiair, composed of a little grass laid in a slight hollow 
amongst the driftwood a few yards above high-water mark ; the egg is large for the bird, being about 
the size of a pullet’s, ovoid, a good deal pointed, in colour of a light greenish yellow with irregular 
blotches of dark rufous brown, almost black in the larger spots, and varying in size from a pin’s head 
to a shilling, the largest being at the more obtuse end of the egg. When disturbed the bird rose 
with a harsh rattling cry, but did not seem frightened, and returned to the nest after a few minutes. 
On the 10th the nest was not visited, it being thought best not to disturb the bird again so soon; and 
on the 11th, on going to it for a specimen egg, the nest was found deserted and the eggs gone, not a 
particle of shell remaining.” 

Mr. Swinhoe represents this bird as breeding plentifully on Formosa, and he has given the 
following account of its nidification : — “ Its eggs, four in number, are laid in a loose nest of dried 
grasses and fibres placed in a hollow. They are of a greenish-grey ground-colour, blotched and 
spotted with deep-blackish sepia, and have occasional obsolete purplish-grey spots. They do not vary 
much in size, are narrowed near the end, and measure 1-5 inch by IT.” 

Eeferring to this, Mr. Seebohm says ; — “ I can imagine that barren birds in imperfect breeding- 
plumage may not unfrequently be found during summer in their winter-quarters ; but I scarcely think 
it possible that C.fulvus breeds south of the Arctic circle, at least three thousand miles further north 
than Formosa.” 


* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. voL xvi. p. 308. 


Ordes IIMICOLE.J 


[Fam. CHARADKIIDyE. 


ANARHYNCHUS FRONTALIS. 

(WRY-BTLLED PLOVER.) 


narhyncJius frontalis, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. de I’Astr. Zool. i. p. 252, pi. 31. fig. 2 (1830). 
-Lnmorms% frontalis. Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 545 (1847). 

narhynchus alhifrons, Schl. Handl. Dierk. i. p. 435 (1857). 

Charadrius frontalis. Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 234. 

Thinornis frontalis. Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 17 (1871). 


Native name. — Ngutupare. 


P ^ ute cinereus, scapularibus et tcctricibus alarum dorso concoloribus : al^ spurid brunnell ; remigibiis 
enti brunneis, versus apicem conspicue saturatioribus, scapis albidis : seeundariis cinereis, dorso 
conco on us : cauda cmerascenti-brunnca, rectricibus exterioribus pallide cineraceis, extimis albicantibus ; 
ion e et supercilio distincto albidis: linea sccundii frontali nigrS.: Iine4 per oeulura duct^ et regionem 
P m amplectente cineracea ; subtus albus, torque pectorali lato nigro ■. subalaribus albis, imis cinereo 
ava IS . rostro nigro : pedibus nigricanti-viridibus vix cinerascentibus : iride nigra. 

Juv. similis, sed sine torque pectorali. 


^ upper surface uniform dark grey, the wing-coverts edged with 

dusl brown on their outer webs and at the tips, with white shafts, and the inner webs 

us cy grey; the inferior primaries marked with white on their basal portion; secondaries and their long 
and^t’"^*'^^^'^™^* dusky grey ; the middle tail-feathers greyish brown, the outer ones silvery grey, margined 
the white ; forehead, throat, and all the uuderparts pure white, a narrow line of black bordering 

rail " foi’chead ; the upper part of the breast crossed by a broad band of velvety black, which is gene- 
^ / tinder tail- coverts and lining of wings pure white. Irides and bill black; legs 
fnllr^ ®-ckish green tinged with grey. Total length 8 inches; wing, from flexure, 4 ‘75 ; tail 2; bill, 
wing the curvature, 1-4; bare tibia -4; tarsus 1 ; middle toe and claw 1-05. 

diillp,. m T male, but without the frontal black line, and with the pectoral band much narrower, of a 

Diack, and sometimes interrupted in the middle. 

nrooT upper parts as in the adult, but paler ; no pectoral band ; under surface pure white. The 

war s maturity is indicated by a narrow irregular zone of sooty black mottled with white. 

frecMori II silky-looking down of a stone-grey colour (similar to the upper surface of the adult) 

nounced in brown. The curved bill is congenital, being quite as pro- 

‘ip ; leg, “* 


pffords aiiothe ' ^ distinguished from all other Waders by its peculiar asymmetrical bill, 

first mad distinctive character of the New-Zealand avifauna. The species 

Expedition in th science by MM. Quoy and Gaimard, who obtained it during the French 

specimens of th^ 1826-29, and gave a figure of it in the ‘Voyage of the Astrolabe; ’ but no 

VOL. II ^ N^narliynchus having, for many years after, been received in Europe, Mr. G. 


10 


E. Gray, in his List of Nevv-Zealand Birds (July 1862), pronounced the curved bill a mere deformity, 
adding “ the bill is perfectly straight in most specimens,” a statement which appears to have been 
purely hypothetical. Mr. Harting, in an able paper “On Eare or Little-known Limicolse,” was the 
first to clear up the confusion in which the species had become involved, and to claim for it a proper 
recognition as the type of a genus quite distinct from Charadrius, in which it had been placed by 
Gray and other modern authors. Mr. Harting’s paper had the effect of calling special attention to 
this singular species on the part of local observers ; and thus a bird which had up to that period 
been deemed of rare occurrence was found to have a very general distribution along our shores, in all 
suitable localities, in both the North and South Islands. It is generally met with in small flocks on the 
smooth ocean-beach, or on the broad sand-banks and shingle-beds at the mouths of our tidal rivers, 
where it feeds upon minute crustaceans, fluviatile insects, and other marine life, for the capture of 
which its peculiar bill is specially adapted. 

In the North Island the Wry-billed Plover is particularly plentiful during the spring and winter 
months on the extensive sand-banks at the mouth of the Kaipara, on the mud-flats of the Manukau 
basin*, in the Bay of Plenty, and on the ocean-beach between Waikanae and Wanganui, where 
numerous tidal streams and rivers discharge their waters. In the South Island it is abundant in 
Queen Charlotte’s Sound, and both at the mouths and along the shingle-beds of all the snow-rivers 
that find their outlet eastward. 

At a little distance it is scarcely to be distinguished from the Banded Dottrel, with which it 
freely associates, but it is of a smaller and plumper form, and on a nearer view may be recognized by 
the absence of the red pectoral band, so conspicuous in the last-named species. It is likewise more 
approachable and less inclined to take wing. It runs along the sands in front of you, and utters no 
sound, whereas the last-named bird emits at brief intervals a “ click ” or short call-note. I have 
observed also that these birds have not the same habit of bobbing their heads when they stop running. 
They run with marvellous celerity, their little black legs, when viewed sideways, appearing to revolve 
like the spokes of a wheel. On the wing, the flocks form such compact bodies that ten or more may 
be killed at a single shot. At nesting-time they emit a low purring sound. 

It breeds early in the spring, but not so soon as the Banded Dottrel, and is even tamer then than 
at other times, being always very reluctant to take wing. 

On its reproduction Mr. Potts writes : — “ Its nesting-place would be discovered with very 
little difficulty, were it not for the wonderful instinct it exhibits in selecting the ground for depositing 
its eggs. They are simply laid, without any preparation, amongst the pebbles of some river-bed 
usually, and never far from water ; and so well does their grey tint harmonize with the general 
colour of the shingle around them, that their detection would be almost hopeless if the bird were less 

confident The young, if undisturbed, remain for some time near the spot where they were 

hatched ; to escape observation they lie concealed behind stones, and should an attempt be made to 
molest them, they start off with considerable celerity, uttering at the same time a shrill piping cry 
of alarm. When hard pressed they take to the water; and I have known them to cross a stream of 

considerable volume So tame does the Anarhynchus become under the influence of parental 

instinct that after eggs have been picked up, examined, and replaced on their unsheltered sandy 
bed, I have seen the old bird immediately resume her duty of incubation, although I may have 
removed but a few paces distant, and remained in sight for some time.” 

There are three eggs of this species in the Canterbury Museum, all exactly alike both in form 
and colouring. They are broadly ovoido-conical, or slightly pyriform, measuring 1-35 inch in length 
by 1'05 in breadth, and of a delicate greenish stone-grey, freckled over their entire surface with 
purplish brown. 

* Mr. Cheeseman writes to me : — “ At Manukau I have, on some occasions, seen as many as 200 or 300 together ; hut this is 
quite unusual, the flocks in that locality generally numbering from 10 to 20 birds.” 


s^l 


del- > LITH 

Judo & c? LiM iTE D, iM p 



SAND PLOVER. 

THINORNIS NOV^ ZEALANDIJ3. 


(SEVEN-EIGHTHS NATURAL SIZE) 


WRY-BILLED PLOVER 

ANARHYNCHUS FRONTALIS. 
















Order LIMICOL^.] 


[Fam. CHAEADEIIDiE. 


THINOENIS NOVjE ZEALANDIJI. 

(NEW.ZEALAND SHOEE-PLOVEE.) 


New-Zealcmd Plover, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 206, pi. Ixxxiii. (1785). 
Charadrms now seelandice, Gm. Syst. Av. i. p, 684 (1788, ex Lath.). 

Charadrius novce zealandice. Lath. Inch Orn. ii. p. 745 (1790). 

Charadrius dudoroa, Wagler, Syst. Av. Charadrius, sp, 14 (1827). 

Iliaticula novce seelandicB, Gray, in DiefF. Trav. ii., App. p. 195 (1843). 

Thinornis novce seelandiw. Gray, Voy. Ereb. & Terror, Birds, p. 12, pi. 11 (1844). 
Thinornis rossii, id. op. cit. p. 12, pi. 11a (1844). 

Charadrius torquatula, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 108 (1844). 

Thinornis novm zelandice, Buller, Essay Orn. N. Z. p. 17 (1865). 

Thinornis novce zealandivB, Finsch, J. f. O. 1870, p. 341. 


Native names. — ILohutapu and Tuturuatu. 

Ad. supra grisescenti-cincreus : fronte, facie laterali et in collo undique postice duet^ torquem collarem formante, 
et gutture toto nigris : line^ alb^ ab oculo duct& pileum circumeunte : tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus, 
majoribus albo terminatis : rcmigibus brunneis, primariis basin versbs albis, minoribus albo terminatis, 
secundariis exterioribus late albo marginatis, intimis dorso concoloribus ; cauda purpurascenti-brunnea, 
rectricibus exterioribus albo terminatis et basin versus gradatim albis, penna extima omninb alba : corpore 
reliquo subtus et subalaribus albis : rostro aurantiaco versus apicem nigro : pedibus aurantiacis : hide nigni. 

Juv. saturatius bruuneus : facie laterali ct gutture brunnescentibus, vix nigricnutibus : bypoeliondriis brunneo 
notatis. 

Adult. Forehead, sides of the bead, throat, fore part of neck, and a broad nuchal collar brownish black ; crown 
and hind part of the head browmish grey, being separated from the darker plumage by an ill-defined streak 
of white, which passes immediately over the eyes and widens on the forehead; back, shoulders, sides of the 
breast, and upper surface of wings brownish grey ; the whole of the underparts pure white ; primaries dark 
browm, with a streak of white along the shaft near the apieal extremity; tail-feathers dark brown, the lateral 
ones tipped with white, whieh increases outwardly, the outermost feather on each side being pirre white, and 
the adjoining one with merely a eentral spot of brown on its inner web. Iridcs black, with red eyelid; bill 
orange for rather more than half its length, then black to the tip ; tarsi and toes orange ; claws black. 
Length 7'5 inches; wing, from flexure, 4'75; tail 2'73 ; bill, along the ridge 1, along the edge of low'er 
mandible -9; bare tibia '5; tarsus ‘9 ; middle toe and claw -75. 

05s. The sexes are alike, exeept that the female is slightly smaller than the male, has all the eolours of the 
plumao-e duller, and less orange in the bill and feet. There is a speeimen of the latter in Mr. James Brog- 
deiBs colleetion at Porthcawl. 

Young. Differs from the adult in having the whole of the upper suirface darker, and the white streak on the 
forehead and sides of the head less eonspicuous ; the whole of the fore neck and upper part of the breast is 
dark brown * and this colour is continued on the sides of the body and flanks. 

Note. Ill the ^ Voyage of the Erebus and Terror,’ where both Thinornis novae sealandiae and the so-called Th. rossii 

c2 


12 


are figured, tlie latter is represented with the basal interdigital web, and the former without it, an error for 
which the artist is doubtless responsible. 


Till of late years this handsome Wader appears to have been of very rare occurrence. Forster’s 
original specimen was obtained at Queen Charlotte’s Sound, where, as he states, it was called Tutu- 
ruatu by the natives. Mr. Percy Earl (about the year 1844) found a pair on the ocean-beach near 
Port Chalmers, and records it “ as a very rare species ” in that locality. 

Owing, however, to the increased activity of ornithological research in the colony, it has been 
discovered to be comparatively plentiful on various parts of our coast, both north and south. The 
mouth of the Piako river, in the TIauraki Gulf, the broad fiats of Manukau harbour, and the sand- 
spits off Tauranga are some of the localities where flocks have been met with in the spring and 
autumn. In the South Island, some of the favourite resorts are Queen Charlotte’s Sound and the 
various inlets on the eastern and south-eastern coasts. It is also recorded from the Chatham 
Islands, where it has been found breeding *. 

I'here are two specimens in the Canterbury Museum from the last-mentioned locality ; one of 
these is marked d , and the sex of the other is undetermined : but both examples are in very indifferent 
plumage. 

It hunts about for its food among the sand and dry ooze in a very diligent manner, and 
associates freely with the flocks of Godwit, both on their common feeding-ground and when the latter 
crowd upon the high banks, during the alternation of the tides, in the manner so familiar to those who 
have studied their habits. Individually its movements are very graceful and it is undoubtedly the 
most beautiful of our Plovers. 

This bird has the same peculiar alarm-cry of ‘ click-click ’ which denotes the presence on the 
sands of the Banded Dottrel. This cry is also uttered on the wing, being repeated several times in 
rapid succession. 

There can be no doubt, I think, that the so-called Thinornis rossii, of which there is a single 
specimen in the British Museum, brought by the Antarctic Expedition from Auckland Island, is the 
young of the present species ; and I have described it in that character. 

* In the ‘ New-Zealand Journal of Science,’ vol. ii. pp. 508-9, there is the following interesting account of its breeding- 
habits : — “ It is content with collecting a few leaves of grass, which are bent and twisted into a circular form just about large 
enough to contain the eggs, which are protected by this flimsy structure as it keeps them together. I have the eggs from the 
southern part of this island as well as a series from the Chatham group ; one of the nesting-places in the last-named habitat 
offers such interesting features that it is worth being recorded and described. To the north-by-west of the main Chatham island 
lies a small group of rocky islets known as ‘ The Sisters,’ or llangitutahi. One of those wave-beat islets, rising to some 150 feet 
above the sea, having an area of about five acres only, affords a nesting-place to the Shore-Plover. This very exposed and 
unsheltered site apparently is shared only by the huge Albatros and the giant Petrel, which there rest awhile from almost cease- 
less wanderings over the surrounding ocean. Exposed to gales that sweep over a vast unbroken expanse of sea and break against 
this little speck of rock, the only screen that may shelter the home of the Shore-Plover is the tussock of wiry-grass or saw-edged 
carcx, for no tree is there found to lend a friendly shelter. The eggs, three in number, are ovoido-couical, ovoid, with the 
smaller end blunt or somewhat pyriform ; smooth, sub-shining, pale or warm stonc-oolour, freely sprinkled with blackish-brown 
or almost black irregular marks, angular fines and dots ; pale greenish-white, very much scribbled over with fine irregularly 
shaped marks and minute dots, these becoming more conspicuous towards the larger end, around which they form an unevenly 
defined zone ; stone-colour, more or less covered with irregularly shaped marks of umber-brown ; pale stone-colour with a faint 
greenish tint, sparingly sprinkled below the bilge with very small blackish -brown freckles, some of which seem sunk into the 
surface, the upper portion splashed with bolder marks of umber and deep chestnut-brown ; rich warm stono-colour, abundantly 
covered with blotches of chestnut and umber-brown interspersed with minute dots, freckles, or fine linear scribbling marks of 
dark brown.” — Foils, 


Oeder LIMICOL^.] 


[Fam. CHAEADEIID^. 


LOBIVANELLUS LOBATUS. 

(AUSTEALIAN MASKED PLOVER.) 


Tringa lohata. Lath. Inch Orn. Suppl. p. 65 (1801). 

Vanelhts novce hoUandice, Steph. Cent. Shaw’s Gen. Zool. vol. xi. p. 516 (1819). 
^^anellus lohatus, Vieill. Encycl. Meth., Orn. pt. iii. p. 1075 (1823). 

Charadrius lohatus, Wagl. Syst. Av. sp. 51 (1827). 

Vanellus gallinaceus, Jard. & Selb. 111. Orn. vol. ii. pi. 84 (1829). 

Lohivanellus lohatus, Gould, Birds of Austr. vol. vi. pi. 9 (1848). 


• suprk cinerascenti-hrunneus, tectricibus alarum clarius cinerascentibus : tectricibus primariorum remigibusque 
mgris, secundariis extbs cinerascenti-brunneis, intus basaliter albis : secundariis longioribus intimis dorso 
concoloribus : supracaudalibus albis, fasciam latam formautibus : cauda dimidiatim alb^, fascia mediant 
pallide cinerascenti-brunne&, parte terminali nigra, fasciam latam nigram exhibente, apicaliter albo aut 
pallid^ cinerascente limbato ; pileo toto et collo postico angustatim nigris, hoc utrinque usque ad pectus 
laterale nigrum extenso ; facie laterali, collo laterali ct corpore subtiis toto cum subcaudalibus, subalaribus 
et axillaribus, pure albis : carunculo lobato fasciali flavo. 

Adult. Crown of head, nape, hind neck, and a graduating band on the sides of the chest, interrupted in front, 
jet-black •, the shoulders, the whole of the back, and the upper surface of the wings cinnamon-grey, changing 
in certain lights throat, fore neck, sides of the neck, and the entire under surface, as well as the lining of 
the wings, pure white ; primaries and outer secondaries brownish black ; middle secondaries brownish black 
lu their apical portion, cinnamon-grey towards the base, the latter colour gradually spreading till it entirely 
prevads on the long inner secondaries, which are whitish on their basal portion ; tail-feathers pure white in 
their basal half, then black, with a narrow terminal edge of greyish white. Bill pale sulphur-yellow ; lobed 
mask brighter yellow ; legs and feet delicate red. Extreme length 13’6 inches ; wing, from flexure, 10 ; wing- 
spur 6 ; tail 4‘5 ; bill, along the ridge 1'3, along the edge of lower mandible 1'2 ; tarsus 3 j bare tibia 1'5 ; 
middle toe and claw 1-2. 

Obs, Of the New-Zealand specimen mentioned below Mr. Drew has sent me the following measurements : — 
Length 12'6 inches; wing 10'4; extent of Avings 33 ; tail 4'6; upper mandible 1'3; spur on wing '5 ; 
tarsus 3'6; bare tibia 1'5 ; middle toe and claw 1'4, hind toe '2.” 


I am indebted to Mr. S. H. Drew, of Wanganui, for a notice of the recent occurrence of this Austra- 
ian species in New Zealand. Writing to me on the 4th August, 1886, he says: — “I have just 
received a bird that I take to be a Plover, and as I do not see it mentioned in your ‘ Manual,’ I 
asten to let you have a description. The bird was alive when I took the measurements, so was not 
istorted by stuffing. It is a beautiful bird, and as I let it lie on my hand it does not peck or even 
attempt to get away. But it is very emaciated and I cannot induce it to eat anything. It was taken 
at Kai-iwi by Mr. George Peake, who found it in one of his paddocks.” 

It is common in vwious parts of New South Wales and on some of the islands in Bass Strait, 
w lere it has been found breeding in the month of January. 


Oebek LIJIICOL^.] 


[Fam. CHAEADEIID^. 


STEEPSILAS INTEEPEES. 

(TURNSTONE.) 


Tringa intergyres, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 248 (1766). 

Tringa morinella, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 249 (1776). 

Tringa hudsonica, Muller, Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 114 (1766). 

Morinella collaris, Meyer and Wolf, Tasch. deutsch. Vogelk. ii. p. 383 (1810). 

Charadrius cinclus, Pall. Zoogr. Rosso-As. ii. p. 148 (1811). 

Strepsilas interpres, Illiger, Prodr. p. 263 (1811). 

Strepsilas collaris, Temm. Man. d’Orn. i. p. 349 (1815). 

Arenaria interpres, Vieill. N. D. d’Hist. Nat. xxxiv. p. 345 (1819). 

Strepsilas horealis, Brehm, Vdg. Deutschl. p. 559 (1831). 

Strepsilas littoralis, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. p. 560 (1831). 

Cinclus morinellus. Gray, List Gen. of B. p. 85 (1841). 

Cinclus interpres. Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 549 (1846). 

Strepsilas minor, Brehm, Naum. 1855, p. 289. 

Ad. phi (sshv. pileo et cervice albis, plumis medialiter nigris, quasi striatis ; fascia nigiA frontali ante oculum 
decurrente et unk cum gcnis nigris ad collum laterale conjuncta : regione oculari alba : dorso Imte castaneo, 
plaga magnS, interscapulari utrinque nigra, et ptilosi reliquH plus minusve nigro notata : dorso postico et 
supracaudalibus albis, uropygio nigro; tectricibus alarum pallide ferrugineis, exterioribus nigro notatis, 
majoribus late albo terminatis : remigibus brunneis, et versus apieem saturatioribus, primariis minoribus ad 
basin albis, remigibus minoribus angustb albo terminatis, secundariis latissime albo marginatis, secirndariis 
intimis dorso concoloribus : cauda alba, late brunneo transfasciata, rectricibus duabus centralibus omninb 
brunneis . gula alba, nigro notatH ; gutture et pectore toto superiore nigerrimis : corpore reliquo subtus 
pure albo : rostro nigro : pedibus rubris : iride nigra. 

Ad. ptil. Mem. ubique obsenrior, nigredine brunnescente mixta : vertice nigro albo paullulum vario : gula albida ; 
coloribus ut in ptilosi sestiva agnosccndis sed semper pallidioribus. 

Adult in summer. Forehead and sides of the head white, the former crossed by a narrow band of velvety blaek 
which connects the eyes, and widening helow them, joins a broader band of the same colour, extending from 
the base of the lower mandible on each side of the throat ; erown of the head white, each feather centred 
with hlack ; hind part of neck white, more or less varied with brownish black ; shoulders and upper part of 
the hack glossy black, with a broad irregular mark of chestnut in the line of the spine ; the whole of the 
mantle black, varied with chestnut, and some of the feathers narrowly tipped with white ; the lower part of 
the hack and the upper tail-coverts white j throat white, mottled on the lower part with black, which rapidly 
predominates, the fore part and sides of the breast, up to the insertion of the wings, as well as the rump 
being velvety black; the rest of the body-plumage pure white; the wing-feathers blackish brown, with 
white shafts, and pale grey on their under surface, with darker tips, the inner primaries and the short 
secondaries white towards the base, and narrowly tipped with the same ; the long secondaries dark velvety 
brown, varied on their outer wchs with chestnut ; the small yying-coverts pale ferruginous, varied with chest 
nut and black ; the superior coverts blackish brown, with a conspicuous terminal band of white ; tail-feathers 
white, crossed in their apical portion by a broad band of brownish hlack, which is greater on the two median 
ones, the closed tail appearing to be entirely of that colour beyond the upper coverts. Irides and hill black • 


15 


tarsi and toes red ; claws black. Length 9 incbes ; wing, from flexure, 6-25 j tail 2-5 ; bill, along the ridge 
, a on,^ the edge of lower mandible 1 ; tarsus 1 ; middle toe and claw I'l ; hind toe and claw '35. 

n winter. Has the entire plumage duller, and little or no chestnut on the upper surface, the feathers 
d black, tipped more or less with white, and slightly varied with ferruginous ; the facial mark 

ed above is less defined, and the black of the fore neck and breast is strongly suffused with brown. 

1 ■ •^'^ckland Museum there are two specimens ( ^ and ? ) obtained on the Manukau flats, in both of 
w lie the plumage of the upper surface is variegated with rich patches of rufous brown. 


™cn, writing in September 1870 (Journ. fiir Ornith. p. 349), expressed his conviction that, 
ot er species which breed in high northern latitudes and migrate southwards on the approach 
^^^ter, the common Turnstone would yet be met with on the New-Zealand coast ; and in the 
'1 season this prediction was amply verified by the capture of several specimens on the Ninety- 
^ e each, in the South Island. All of these were females in winter plumage ; but subsequently an 
^ Dip e in summer plumage was shot at the Wade, and another was sent to me by Mr. Robson from 
r an Island. Of late years the bird has become tolerably common as a seasonal migrant, being 
P 1’ icu arly numerous in certain months in Manukau harbour and in the Bay of Plenty. They were 
of abundant in the former locality in 1880 ; and Mr. Cheeseman informs me that in March 

seve ^1 ^ ^ flock there which must have contained upwards of a thousand birds, besides 

for ones. Some that were shot on this occasion were so extremely fat as to be quite useless 

or s inning, from the quantity of oily matter that exuded from the skin of the breast and completely 
ura e the feathers. According to his observations the birds usually arrive in November or 
em er, and depart in March or April, only a few of them remaining with us during the winter. 

^ Captain Mair has found it associating in flocks with the Godwit at Tauranga. He has obtained 
num er of both at a single shot, by ensconcing himself with his gun under a bush, and pouring a 
c ar^ into a flight of birds as they passed overhead. 

flistory of this familiar bird may be found in any standard work on European ornithology ; 
referent therefore to do more than furnish a description of the plumage for purposes of 



Nestling of Banded Dottrel (see page 4). 


Oedee LIMICOL^.] 


[Fam. CHAEADEIID^., 


HJIMATOPUS LONGIEOSTEIS. 

(PIED OYSTER-CATCHER.) 


Ilmmato'pm longirostris, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. d’Hist. Nat. xv. p. 410 (1817). 

Hcematopus picatus. Vigors, App. King’s Voy. p. 420 (1834). 

H(Bmatopus australasianus, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, p. 155. 

Native names. — Torea and Torea-tai. 

Ad. supra niger, dorso postico et uropyglo cum supracaudalibus albis, bis nigro notatis : tectricibus alarum 
majoribus conspicue albo terminatis, fasciam verticalem formantibus : remigibus brunnescenti-nigris, scapis 
biunneis : cauda nigra, rectricibus versbs basin albis: gutture toto et pectore superiore nigris, illo paullo 
brunnescente : corpore reliquo subtbs albo, subalaribus marginalibus nigris : rostro apice flavo cruentato : 
pedibus cruentatis : iride coccine4. 

Adult. Head, neck, and fore part of breast, mantle, scapulars, and upper surface of wings and tail shining 
black, glossed with green in certain lights ; back, rump, lower part of breast, and all the under surface pure 
white ; the secondaries and their coverts crossed by a broad band of white, which is very conspicuous when 
the wings are spread ; the axillary plumes and the inner lining of wings pure white, the edges of the latter 
mottled with dusky black. In some examples the dark plumage is sharply defined against the white of the 
lower parts by a line crossing the breast just above the insertion of the wings ; in others the line of demar- 
cation is broken by scattered fringes of white intermixed with the black. Irides and eyelids crimson ; bill 
dark arterial red, changing to coral-red towards the tips of both mandibles, which are yellow; legs dark 
arterial red. Length 18 inches ; wing, from flexure, lO'S ; tail 4-2o ; bill, along the ridge 3-6, along the 
edge of lower mandible 3- 75 ; bare tibia 1 ; tarsus 2; middle toe and claw 1'6. 

Obs. The sexes are alike in plumage, but the male is somewhat larger than the female. 

Young. In a fledgling I find that the distribution of the colours is the same as in the adult. The white of the 
underparts is sufficiently although not sharply defined against the dark plumage of the breast, and the 
blackish-brown down of the upper parts is giving place to black feathers with dull brown margins ; the 
lower part of the back, rump, and upper tail-coverts white, with some obscure greyish markings ; tail- 
feathers black, with long, straggling filaments of down still adhering to their extremities ; alar white mark 
quite conspicuous. Bill blackish brown, changing to reddish towards the base of lower mandible; legs and 
feet reddish brown. In another from the same nest, but in a more downy condition, the crown, sides of 
the head, and fore neck are lighter, being mottled with grey, whilst the lower part of back, rump, and upper 
tail-coverts are obscurely barred all over with blackish brown. 

1 ounger state. Uniform dull black strongly tinged with brown especially on the entire upper surface, the wino-- 
coverts very minutely and the secondaries more largely tipped with fulvous brown. Irides dark brown, with 
a reddish eyelid ; bill dull orange-red at the base and on the rictal membrane, passing into reddish olive in 
the middle portion and shading into brown towards the tips of both mandibles ; legs and feet leaden grey 
Enlargement under tarsal joint very conspicuous. 

More advanced state. Plumage as in the adult, but with the dark plumage more or less suffused with brown the 
white of the underparts less pure, and the pectoral line of demarcation somewhat broken or indeterminate • 
the axillary plumes and under tail-coverts irregularly margined and broadly tipped with dusky black ; rump 


17 


and upper tail-coverts varied more or less ■with black, many of the feathers being blotched and all of them 
tipped with that colour ; the white alar bar very narrow and inconspicuous ; the wing-coverts and inter- 
scapulars narrowly edged with fulvous brown j and the plumage of tlie upper surface without any sheen or 
g OSS. Bill reddish yellow, darker at the base ; legs and feet pale red. 

Covered with down of a greyish-buff colour, varied on the upper parts with black ; there is a broad streak 
of black on the crown, another on each wing and thigh, and a series of large square spots down the middle 
of the back, tinged with red at the base ; hill and feet dull brown. 

ino. Major Mair informs me that he saw a pure albino of this species on the ocean-beach at Opotiki. The 
whole^ of the plumage was of snowy whiteness, and the irides, hill, and feet bright red. He observed this 
eautiful bird on several occasions, but failed in all his efforts to secure it. 

rni ^ 

s ne species, which closely resembles the European Oyster-catcher (II. ostralegus), is generally 
perse over the southern coast of Australia, and is particularly abundant in Tasmania and among 
^ 0 islands in Bass Strait. It likewise occurs all round the New-Zealand coasts; but although a 
ew may be met with on every stretch of sandy beach, it is nowhere very abundant. Occasionally 
w’th parties of six or more, but more generally in pairs, and sometimes in association 

th Oyster-catcher, which is a far more common bird in the middle and southern portions 

e colony. I have counted as many as nineteen consorting together at one time, of which number 
^ y six belonged to this species. They are occasionally met with in the Hot-lakes District of the 
ort Island, wading about in the warm water and capturing small prey. Like its European 
prototype, it subsists on small mollusks and crustaceans, for securing which its long wedge-shaped 
mandibles are peculiarly adapted. Notwithstanding its ungainly form, the strongly contrasted black 
anc white of its plumage and the bright red of its bill and feet render it an attractive object on the 
smooth sandy beach, where it may be observed sedately reposing on one leg, or nimbly running to and 
^lo in search of its prey left exposed on the beach by the receding tide. During the nuptial season, 
^ curious to watch the male bird paying his addresses to the mate of his choice : elevating his back 
lowering his bill till it nearly touches the ground, he struts or runs round her with a loud 
quivering note, no doubt expressive of his undying attachment ; and when there are two rival males 
^ us performing in concentric circles before the same shrine of devotion, it is amusing to observe with 
rivd indifference the object of this demonstration appears to receive the attentions of her 

^ a suitois. When once, however, her affections are secured, she appears to remain faithful to her 

its together, if not for life, certainly long after the breeding-season, with all 

^ ares, has passed by. Even when consorting together, as they frequently do, in small flocks, each 
P seems to maintain its individuality ; and when at rest on the sands the party may be seen 
ispose in couples, at short distances apart fr om the rest. 

bask in the sun, squatting close to the ground ; and when disturbed by the presence 
di t ^^^Q'^i^ting object, instead of immediately taking wing they habitually run some 

ce along the sands. On being disturbed at night they take to the shallow water for safety. 

^ of this species is rapid ; and on the wing it repeatedly emits a shrill whistling cry. 
drift open sandy spits, or in the dry river-beds, forming its nest among the small 

its ew other debris of the sea, or rather selecting a suitable depression in which to deposit 

hrown of _ "dually three in number, ovoid, measuring 2-5 inches by 1-5, and pale yellowish 

brown ^ marked over the entire surface with rounded spots and blotches of blackish 

ts on a which are paler markings of purplish brown. Sometimes, however, the nesting-place 

immediatT ^ ^ couple of miles or more from the sea-shore. The young are able to run 

among the st^^ h^hting the shell ; but on tire approach of danger they secrete themselves by squatting 
cunnina- 1 which their colour closely assimilates, while the parent birds resort to various 

g evices for drawing away the intruder. 

> on. u. 


Okdee LIMICOLiE.] 


[Fam. CHAEADEIIDJi. 


HiEMATOPUS TJNICOLOE. 

(BLACK OYSTER-CATCHER.) 


Ilwmatopus unicolor, Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 1320. 

IIcBmatopus fuliginosus, Gould, B. of Austr. vi. pi. viii. (1848). 
Ilmmatopus niger oceanicus, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 420 (1856). 
HcBmatopus niger aiistralasianus, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 420 (1856). 
Ilcematopus niger, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7469. 

Native name. — Torea-pango. 


Ad. ubique niger, remigibus et caudd brunnescentibus, scapis primarioriim ad basin albidis : rostro corallino, apice 
flavicanti-corneo : pedibus pallide rubris : iride et regione oculari coccineis. 

Adult male. The whole of the plumage glossy brownish black, with faint metallic reflections on the back and 
wings. Irides and bare eyelids crimson ; bill coral-red, changing to yellowish horn-colour at the tips of both 
mandibles j tarsi and toes pale red. Length 19 inches ; wing, from flexure, 10'5 ; tail 4’25 ; bill, along 
the ridge 3'5, along the edge of lower mandible 3'6; tarsus 2'2o ; middle toe and claw 1'75. 

Female. Similar to the male, but somewhat smaller and more strongly tinged with brown, especially on the 
under surface. 

Young. Uniform dull brownish black, the feathers of the back and the wing-coverts narrowly margined with 
fulvous brown. Bill and feet dull red, the former brown in its outer portion. 

Chick. Covered with down of a uniform blackish-brown colour ; bill and feet dull brown. 

Var. Mr. Robson informs me that he saw a perfect albino of this species at Portland Island, in the month of 
October. It came near enough for him to observe the red colour of its irides, but he was unfortunately 
without a gun at the time, and never saw it again. 

Obs. Examples are not unfrequently met with exhibiting a white abdomen and a dull whitish bar on the wings, 
or with this alar bar wholly wanting. It is not unlikely that this is due to hybridism j for the two species 
are often seen associated. The following is a description of one of these parti-coloured birds in the Canter- 
bury Museum : — Head, neck, fore part of breast, and all the upper surface black ; an indistinct alar bar and 
the tips of some of the upper tail-coverts white ; lower part of breast, sides of the body, flanks, abdomen, 
axillary plumes, and under tail-coverts largely varied with white. 


This species, which also occurs in Australia, is far more abundant in the southern parts of New 
Zealand than the Pied Oyster-catcher, and not uncommon in the northern parts also. On the ocean- 
beach between Waikanae and Otaki, within a stretch of ten miles, I have counted as many as fifty in 
the course of a morning’s ride. Its habits are precisely the same as those of H. longirostris, with 
which it associates freely, frequenting the same feeding-grounds and often breeding in the same 
locality. It swims with facility and when wounded will elude pursuit by diving, often remaining 
under the surface a considerable time. 

It has the same peculiar habit of courtship as that mentioned in my account of II. longirostris-, 


19 


l' ' amusing to watch the male bird waltzing round his spouse with his back arched and 

long red bhl pointing to the ground. 

which I ® Hotel, Waipawa, I was interested in seeing a perfectly tame bird of this species, of 
for about • ^ ^ ^ following note : It is a young bird, and has been in the possession of the landlord 
Duck ( ^onths, frequenting the open paddock, and consorting alternately with a tame Paradise 

of Blacl^^S ^ favourite) and a flock of Domestic Geese. Sometimes it associates with a pair 
hardly e ’ ®®6ms rather indifferent to their companionship. It can fly with facility, but 

with all the paddock except to enter the fowl-yard, where it appears to be on perfect terms 

to brino- ’t ^ occupants. Eegularly every morning it comes to the gate and Avaits for the gardener 
grass a meat, and having partaken of this it spends its time strutting about the 

of the day ^or the worms and grubs upon which it subsists for the rest 

The only cry I heard it utter was a call like ‘ Phillipic ’ in a high key. 

have de occurrence to see this species paired Avith the Pied Oyster-catcher. I 

tends to CO fi ^ what I take to be the hybrid result of such a union. Further observation only 

in the indet I have seen a dimorphic pair followed by two young birds, both of them 

by a single black-and-white plumage, and I have more than once seen a black bird followed 

hybrid mo ^ ®ame parti-coloured garb. On several occasions I have seen a similar 

the case of Pronounced, Avith a group of black ones. It would seem from this that, as in 

offsTn-inn. • i black Rhipiclurm, which often breed together, the general tendency in the 

ohspnng is to follow the former of these types. 

the birds havii^^*^^^'*^ sonson appioaches the little groups are no longer met Avith on the ocean-beaches, 
parts of Prrned and gone off to their nesting-grounds on rocky islands or in the less frequented 

beaches betw^^'^^W account for their almost total disappearance from the well-travelled 

The ' ellington and Wanganui during the spring and early summer months. 

Burimu Kock^*^ usually quit the nest early in December, but I have found bii;ds breeding on the 
the old bird^ b T January, the young at this time being fully fledged and following 

parents evincecT capturing one of the latter it uttered a feeble squeak, and the 

Qq solicitude by flying in circles overhead with an excited cry of Iceria, Iceria *. 

backs in apnar being invaded the old birds feign lameness, or roll and tumble over on their 

chicks lookino-T order to entice intruders aAvay from their nesting-ground, whilst the doAvny 

and on reachino’ expressed it) “like little boys in night-gowns,” make a bee-line for the sea, 

take to the ro k swim out into deep Avater. If unable to reach the sea they 

danger has passe ^ ^^iJer the projecting ledges, hiding themselves in the crevices till all 

length by F5 j n . ™ sons collection is ovoido-conical in shape, measuring 2'25 inches in 

black and dark b ^ greenish white thickly and irregularly spotted and smeared with inky 

scope of varietv i tb^^ washed-out markings of the usual kind interspersed. But there is a wide 
surroundino-s • for ^ maikings, these being, in a very perceptible manner, adapted to the 

lighter in colour Eunmu Eocks, the eggs that Avere deposited on the white sand Avere 

Jrift seaweed abov h’ markings on their surface ; those found in nests placed among the 

in the manner described maik, or among the rocks, were much darker and more or less blotched 


* The Key. ^ Colens F 

indicates bj a difference i V writes . “ The Maoris believe that this bird knows of an approaching storm, which he 

iiimself) before a storm « ^ ^ ’ ®^Ting Jeeria, Jeeria (dig, dig , — L e, for shell-fish out of the sand, by the waves, as food for 

storm, and tolmi, tokia after one.- 


D 2 


Oedee LIMICOL^.] 


[Fam. SCOLOPACIDiE. 


EECURVIEOSTEA NOV^E HOLLANDI^. 

(RED-NECKED AVOCET.) 


Recurvirostra novce hollandice, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. d’Hist. Nat. iii. p. 103 (1818). 
Recurvirostra rubricolUs, Temm. Man. d’Orn. ii. p. 592 (1820). 

Avocetta novae zealandice, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7470. 


Ld, pulchre niveus, scapularibus imis nigricantibus : capite cum collo postico et lateral! guttureque toto saturate 
ferrugineis : pileo aiitico et vertice cinerascentibus, gul4 etiam albido varia : teetricibus alarum minimis 
albis, mediauis nigris, majoribus albis : remigibus nigricanti-brunneis, pennis minoribus et secundariis 
exterioribus albis: cauda alba, pennis eentralibus pallide cinereis ; subtiis niveus: rostro nigro : pedibus 
plumbescenti-nigris : iride rubra. 

Adult. Head and about two thirds of the neck dark rufous, paler on the crown, and inclining to greyish brown 
towards the base of the bill ; the inner scapulars, the first six primaries, and the longer secondaries, with 
their coverts, black, the latter tinged with brown ; the effect produced in the closed wing being that of a 
black surface, with a narrow longitudinal bar of white j tail pale ash-grey j the rest of the plumage pure 
white. Irides red j bill black ; legs and feet bluish black. Length 17-25 inches ; wing, from flexure, 9 ; 
tail 4j bill, along the ridge, following the curvature, 3'75; bare tibia I'S; tarsus S'S ; middle toe and 
claw 1-75 ; hind toe and claw I’d. 

Young. The young of the first year has the black of the upper surface deeply tinged with brown ; across the 
shoulders, when the wings are closed, there is a horse-shoe mai-k of blackish grey ; head and neck pale ashy 
brown, darker on the throat, and inclining to rufous on the nape and sides of the neck. 

Ohs. The sexes are exactly alike in plumage. 


Tins beautiful Australian Avocet, to which I have restored Vieillot’s original name of Recurvirostra 
novae hollandice, is an occasional visitant to our shores. In the summer of 1859-60 I saw a small 
flock of them far up the course of the Ashburton river, and again in a small lagoon near the township 
of Timaru, but, not having a gun with me, I was unable to secure any. In the same season a 
specimen was shot by Mr. French on the tidal flats near the mouth of the Kaiapoi river ; and this, 
unfortunately, was allowed to perish. Three years later I met with a flock numbering flve or six on 
the south-west coast of the Wellington Province. They were very shy, rising high in the air on my 
attempting to approach them, and taking their course for the opposite side of Cook’s Strait. Two 
specimens have been shot on the ocean-beach near Dunedin ; and Dr. Pichardson received another 
from the Whakatipu Lake, in the interior of the Otago Province. A solitary one was shot on the 
mud-flats near Whangarei some years ago ; and the skin was preserved by Mr. George Burnett, who 
forwarded it to Europe. The specimen from which my description of the adult is taken was killed on 
the mud-flats near Christchurch in 1864. 

From the same locality Mr. Sparkes afterwards obtained the young bird described above (which 
is now in the Canterbury Museum) ; also two more adults, in full plumage, one of which is now in 
my possession, and the other in Mr. Silver’s collection at Letcomb Manor. 





necked AYOCET' 

nov^ hollamdi^, 

black stilt. h.movjE zealandi^ 


PIED 

HIM AN TOPUS 

( IN THE DISTANCE.) 


(seven-eighths natural SI2e) 


STILT. 

LEUCOCEPHALUS, 





Oedur LIMICOL.®.] 


HIMANTOPUS LEUCOCEPHALTIS. 

(WHITE-HEADED STILT.) 


[Fam. SCOLOPACID^. 


thmantopus leucocephalus, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, p. 26. 
Hmantoims albus, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7470. 


Native names. 

Tutumata and Tuturipourewa ; Torea (of Arawa tribe). 


albi ^ y>ndique, collo laterali et postico torquem collarem formante albis : dorso postico et uropygio 
_ • V . uigris dorso concoloribus : caud4 alba, cinerascente lavat^l, pennis duabus centraUbus 

ncrascentibus . corpore toto subtus pure albo : rostro nigro : pedibus cruentatis : iride rubr^. 

* temV tiiictus : collo postico sordide griseo-albo : tectricibus alarum et supracaudalibus albo 


blacl- . r ■ middle portion of back, scapulars, and entire upper surface of wings glossy greenish 

tion of surface of wings sooty black; the rest of the plumage pure white, with the excep- 

blaet ^ ® O’’ lo®® t“ged with smoky grey. Irides and eyelids brick-red, bill 

nal ] horn-coloured at the tip ; legs and feet deep pink flesh-colour, and sometimes beautiful 

alo*^o-^+r'^,^^ ’ claws black. Length 14 inches; extent of wings 26-6; wing, from flexure, 9; tail 3; bill 
ug e ridge 2-4, along the edge of lower mandible 2-6 ; bare tibia 2 ; tarsus 4-25 ; middle toe and claw 1-7. 


Individuals vary considerably in size. A specimen in my collection from Hawkers Bay gives the following 

the^rA'*^°^o^^“ inches; extent of wings 29-5 ; wing, from flexure, 10; tail 3-5 ; bill, along 

1 ge -70, along the edge of lower mandible 3; bare tibia 3-25 ; tarsus 4-5 ; middle toe and claw 1-75. 

, , pecimen in the Colonial Museum has the head, fore neck, and all the underparts white ; hind 

disann parts generally satiny black; across the shoulders there is some indication of white, which 

indeterminar part, nape and fore neck freckled with black, the margins of the dark colours being 


Lf/f “ottled with white ; shoulders 

surf "" darkening towards the back; upper part of back and scapulars brownish black; upper 

ace o wings glossy black ; the median coverts, as well as the feathers of the back, narrowly tipped with 
own; lower part of back and rump white; tail-feathers dull black, tipped with hrown, their coverts (which 

of ni portion, and tipped with yellowish brown; lining 

wings black; the rest of the plumage pure white ; bill black, brownish towards the base; irides reddish 
ye ow; egs pale yellow ^ the claws brown. Upper mandible 2 inches ; tibia 1-75 ; tarsus 2-75. 

1 maturity. A more advanced bird in my collection has the crown, nape, and sides of the head 

increases on the back and sides of the neck ; the rest of the plumage 
blackish bro ^’ markings on the inner edges of the wings, the lining of which is 


d 11 Crown of the head, middle portion of back, scapulars, and upper surface of wings and tail 

fe\u°°'^^ mack tinged with brown ; nape greyish white, blending on the shoulders into the darker plumage ; 
composing the mantle, upper wing-coverts, and tail-coverts tipped more or less with greyish white; 
ming of wings and axillary plumes sooty black, tipped with white ; the rest of the plumage pure white. 


22 


Chick. Covered with short soft down of various shades of fulvous yellow^ varied on the upper parts with brown, 
and with a series of square black spots down the baek, and a broad streak of the same eolour on eaeh thigh. 
(See woodcut on next page.) 


The White-headed Stilt, which appears to be also widely distributed over the continent of Australia, 
is a comparatively common bird in the middle and southern portions of New Zealand ; but I know of 
only a single instance of its occurrence as far north as Auckland. 

Notwithstanding the extraordinary length of its legs, this bird is most graceful in all its move- 
ments ; and it is a pretty sight to watch a flock of them on the edges of a lagoon, stalking about in 
the shallow water in search of their food, which consists of aquatic insects and small mollusca and 
displaying their well-balanced bodies in a variety of artistic and graceful attitudes. When on the 
wing, the legs are trailed behind, with a slight swaying motion as if to preserve the equilibrium ; and 
the bird utters a sharp, quickly repeated note, like the yelping of a small cur. 

When associating in flocks, I have noticed that they all act together as by a common impulse. 
On passing from one feeding-ground to another they form into a compact column and rise to a con- 
siderable height, with their heads drawn in and legs trailing behind, and descend again in the most 
perfect order. 

On more «ian one occasion in the summer months I have observed large flocks of this Stilt- 
Plover, associating with the black species, in the salt-marsh near the town of Napier. They are to 
be seen every day from the carriage-windows as the train passes up and down the Meane spit, and the 
sight IS a very pretty one. Two excellent representative specimens (an adult male and a fledgling, 
with the enlarged tarsi) were shot in this locality and sent to me by Mr. Hooper on the 17th December. 

Their stomachs contained grubs about an inch long and numerous small aquatic insects of various 
kinds. 

Although they do not appear to leave the country, they perform some sort of migration, for by 
the end of Apiil or beginning of May the large flocks which I have mentioned (numbering sometimes 
two hundred or more) have entirely disappeared from the Napier marshes. All through the winter, 
howevei, straggling parties of three or four, and towards spring birds in pairs, are to be met with in 
all their customary haunts. 

In the south they are not so plentiful, but I have often met with autumnal gatherings of forty 
or fifty birds. 


Mr. Gould has given an interesting account of this species in his ‘ Birds of Australia,’ but states 
that he was unable to obtain any information respecting its nidification. We have been more fortunate 
in New Zealand, as the following account will testify. 

I have found it nesting both on the dry sands or shingle-beds at the mouths of our tidal rivers 
and in the grass-meadows of our cultivated lands near the sea-shore. I have also met with it breeding 
in small companies, but each pair well apart, on the dry river-beds many miles from the sea *. They 
are somewhat capricious in their choice, frequenting certain river-beds to the exclusion of others in 
the same district, the preference being probably determined by the presence of some particular kind 
of food. They seem particularly partial to localities where the shallow water is covered by the small 
red duck-weed [Azola rubra). The proximity of the nest, however well concealed, is at once made 
manifest by the behaviour of the birds, who mount in the air and perform an undulatory flight in 


* “ In a nursery on the Upper Eangitata Eiver, about ten yards distance from a thickly spread carpet of Gulls’ eggs was 
a long hoUow in the flat by the narrow beach. In this natural rent, that gave something of a ditch-like shelter, were six Lall 
grassy nests of the Pied Stilt {H. hiKoeephalus). Five of these nests contained (December 14) in each four richly marked ec^o-g . 
the sixth contained five, an unusual number and worth recording.” Zoologist. ’ 


23 


different^k^^^^*^' ^ distress, sounding like gue-que, the sexes crying responsively and in 

^ e young can run nimbly almost immediately after quitting the egg. They often elude capture 
th close to the ground ; and their colours so exactly harmonize with their surroundings 

s uatt' impossible to discover them. One which I found, after an hour’s diligent search, 

Q ing on the sand near the edge of a sea-pond, remained perfectly motionless till I had taken it 
up in my hand, when it struggled to escape and uttered a feeble cheep, cheep, whereupon the old birds 
e excited, flew round me in circles, and repeatedly darted up to within two feet of my head, 
oring all the time a sharp yelping cry of remonstrance. 

of ‘t observed that the Stilt sometimes feigns lameness to draw intruders away from the vicinity 

Ll 1 ^ limping or rather tumbling along the ground, trailing its long legs as if 

p ess y bioken, and uttering short cries as if in an agony of pain, persistently keeping up the 
option till it had drawn the trespassers to a safe distance from the object of its solicitude, when it 
rose high in the air with an unmistakable note of relief in quick repetition. 

It usually commences to breed in October ; but I have found newly hatched young ones as late 
s t e flist week in January. It forms a very rude nest, if, indeed, it deserves that name ; and some- 
imes deposits its eggs on the bare ground, a mere depression on the surface being selected for the 
purpose. The eggs are usually four in number, decidedly ovoido-conical in form, measuring 1‘7 inch 
cn^th by 1 2 in breadth, and are of a warm yellowish brown, handsomely marked and spotted over 
the entire surface with brownish black. 



Chick of White-headed Stilt (natural size). 


Oedee LIMICOL^.] 


[Fam. SCOLOPACID^. 


HIMANIOPUS NOVyE ZEALANDIJE. 

(BLACK STILT.) 


Hirmntopus novce zealandm, Gould, P. Z. S. 1841, p. 8. 

Himantopus melas, Hombr. & Jacq. Ann. Sci. Nat. 1841, p. 320. 

Himantopus niger, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7470. 

Himantopus melas, Hutton, Cat. Birds of N. Z. 1871, p. 30. 

Native names. — Kaki and Tuarahia ; Torea-pango (of Arawa tribe). 


Ad. ptil. (Bstiv. supra, nitide virescenti-niger : subtus fuliginoso-niger, loris et facie lateral! pallidioribus : rostro 
nigro : pedibus craentatis : iride rufescenti-brunne4. 

Ad, ptil. hiem. dissimilis ptilosi sestivse ; pileo postico et cervice toto nigris : fronte, gutture et pectore albis : dorso, 
alis et cauda nigris : abdomine fuliginoso-nigro. 

Juv. similis ptilosi sestivae, sed dorso postico et uropygio albis : subtiis etiam albus : cervice et collo postico sordide 
cinerascentibus saturatius variis : interscapulio, scapularibus et tectricibus alarum nigricanti-brunneis, fulvo 
marginatis : primariis pallide cinerascente terminatis : caud4 cinerascenti-brunne4, rectricibus exterioribus 
versus basin pogonii interni albis. 

Adult in summer. Head, neck, and all the under surface brownisb black, inclining to slaty grey on tbe face and 
towards tbe base of lower mandible ■, back, rump, and upper surface of wings and tail glossy greenisli black. 
Irides and eyelids crimson ; legs and feet pinky red, tbe claws black. Length 15 inches ; extent of wings 
28'5 j wing, from flexure, 10 ; tail 3'25 ; bill, along the ridge 3, along the edge of lower mandible 3'25 ; 
bare tibia 3 ; tarsus 3‘75 j middle toe and claw 1'5. 

Adult in winter. Crown and sides of the head, hind part of neck, and the whole of the abdomen sooty black, or 
marked more or less with white j back, wings, and tail glossy greenish black ; the rest of the plumage pure 
white. 

A specimen in the Auckland Museum has a band across tbe shoulders, the scapulars, and upper surface 
of wings and tail black with greenish reflections ; the lower part of the abdomen black, without any gloss j 
the upper and lower tail-coverts black, with white feathers interspersed; rest of the plumage white, mixed or 
spotted with black on the crown and sides of the head, and on the hind neck ; the line of division between the 
white and the black on the shoulders and on the abdomen not distinctly defined. 

Young. Forehead, sides of the head, fore part and sides of the neck, and all the underparts pure white; crown 
of the head, mantle, and scapulars blackish brown, each feather margined at the tip with fulvous ; hind part 
of the neck and between the shoulders dark grey, mottled with paler grey ; back and rump white ; upper 
and lower surface of wings, as well as the axillary plumes, black ; the upper wing-coverts and the long inner 
secondaries margined with fulvous, and the primaries tipped with light grey ; tail-feathers greyish brown, 
the outer ones white on their inner webs, with an apical spot of brown. 

Chick. Covered with dark brown down ; bill and legs greyish black. 

Varieties. In the Colonial Museum there is a remarkable albino variety. The entire plumage is white, clouded 
with smoky grey on the crown and sides of the head, and on the upper surface of the body. There are a few 


25 


straggling black feathers on the wings, hack, and rump, and the under surface of the quills is mottled with 
grey. The primaries and secondaries, it may be further mentioned, are much abraded or worn on both sides 
of the shaft. 

An example obtained by Mr. Hamilton at Petane in July 1884, and presented to the Hawke’s Bay 
Museum, is very remarkable : — Plumage blaek ; the head, whole of the fore neck, breast, and underparts 
variegated with pure white feathers, giving the bird a pied or mottled appearance, the white slightly 
preponderating, and becoming dominant towards the base of both mandibles ; the flanks, abdomen, and under 
tail-eoverts sooty black, without any white feathers ; mantle, back, rump, and upper surfaee of wings and 
tail satiny black, with greenish reflections. The specimen is marked ? , and the condition of the legs 
indicates that it is an adult. 

Tn the Canterbury Museum there is another (marked $ ) with scattered white feathers all over the 
underparts ; another with white markings on the face and fore neck (no sex given) ; and two others (both cj ) 
altogether blaek. 

Ods. The sexes are alike ; but the summer plumage in the female has less gloss on the wings and tail, and a 
stronger tinge of brown on the underparts. 

Iwo examples in the Auckland Museum, both in adult condition (the tarsi being fully developed), 
appear to be in transitional states of plumage: — 

No. 1 has the head and neck white, clouded on the crown and hind neck with grey, these clouded 
maikings becoming confluent and darker around the eyes ; underparts white, clouded and marked on the 
thighs, vent, and under tail-coverts with slaty grey; mantle and upper surface of wings black; back and 
rump white. 

No. 2 has the head and neck more thickly clouded, tlie ear-coverts and region of the eyes being entirely 
slaty brown ; breast, and underparts as far as the flanks, white ; thighs, lower part of abdomen, and under 
tail-coverts black ; upper surface as in No. 1. 

Three other specimens in transitional plumage (from winter to summer) are now before me : — 

No. 1 has the forehead and chin pure wdiite ; the crown, lores, face, neck all round, and all the under 
surface black and white intermixed, the former preponderating on the sides, flanks, and abdomen ; lining of 
wings and axillary plumes black, each feather minutely tipped with white ; back, rump, and upper surface of 
Wings and tail shining greenish black, the remnants of the old plumage on the wings dull blackish brown ; a 
few straggling white feathers mingled with the black upper tail-coverts. Bill black, changing to brown at 
the base; legs reddish yellow. 

No. 2 has the general plumage black, the sides of the head and neck all round marked with numerous 
white feathers ; lower part of fore neck wholly white ; on the breast two or three scattered white feathers. 

No. 3 is black with much less white than the former, this being confined to straggling feathers on the 
neck, shoulders, breast, sides of the body, and under tail-coverts. This bird measures : — Length 14 inches; 
wing, from flexure, 9‘25 ; tail 3; tarsus 3'75 ; bill along the ridge 2‘6. 

In a decidedly young bird received from Otago the head and neck are entirely white with a mark of grey 
on the vertex ; lower part of hind neck and shoulders mottled with grey ; wing-coverts and scapulars 
brownish black, minutely margined with pale brown ; rump and tail white, the latter faintly washed with 
gvey. In another young bird, received from Canterbury, the crown, sides of the head, and nape are washed 
with blackish grey, which is darkest on the vertex. 

Another adult specimen in my own collection has the crown and sides of the head mottled and clouded 
with black ; the white collar irregular and somewhat splashed with black. 

Remarks. Owing to the many transitional states of plumage in which this bird is found, both in its progress 
towards maturity and in its seasonal changes of dress, it is the popular belief that there are two species of 
Black Stilt in New Zealand distinct from the well-known Hima.ntopus leucocephalus ; and this view has been 
adopted in Hutton’s ‘ Catalogue,’ where the true H. novae sealandim is first described in its winter plumage, 
and then, under another name (H. melas), in its black summer garb. But this supposed other species has 
no real existence. Dr. Finsch, in his remarks on a collection of skins received from Dr. Haast, states 
(Journal fiir Ornithologie, 1870, p. 349) that a bird labelled Himanlopus novce-zealandioB, first year’s 
plumage,’ proved, on examination, to be a mature example of H. leucocephalus, readily distinguished by its 
longer tibia and tarsus, from which accidental mistake he seems to infer that Haast is wrong in his description 
VOL. II. P 


26 


of the young of this species. There can be no doubtj however^ that the young of H. novce zealandice is as I 
have described it, my examples exhibiting in every case that enlargement below the tarsal joint which, among 
birds of tliis group, is a sure indication of immaturity. 

This species was originally made known by Gould, who afterwards figured it in the Supplement to his 
‘ Birds of Australia,’ his description being founded on two specimens “killed at Port Nicholson,” 
both of which, hmvever, appear to have been in an immature state of plumage. 

It may readily be distinguished from the preceding species by its darker plumage and by its 
somewhat shorter legs. Its habits, however, are similar, excepting that it is less gregarious, associating 
in pairs rather than flocks, while it appears to prefer the dry shingle-beds to the lagoons and marshy 
grounds which constitute the favourite feeding-resorts of the other species. It is, moreover, a much 
rarer bird, although it is generally to be found in all the river-courses of the Wellington district and 
further south. Sir James Hector met with a solitary pair at Pai'engarenga, near the North Cape ; 
and Mr. Eobert Mair saw a flock of five at Kaipara, where it was considered by the natives an extremely 
rare visitant. A few pairs have for several years past frequented the Kotorua Lake ; but it is never 
seen on Lake Taupo, although the White-headed Stilt is extremely abundant there, single flocks 
sometimes numbering thirty or forty birds. In Eotomahana also, where the latter bird is very plentiful 
at all seasons of the year, the Black Stilt till within the last few years was rareiy seen. Pormerly rare, 
both this and the White-headed Stilt are now very plentiful in the Lake district. They appear to 
subsist cliiefly on the dead gnats that float on the surface of the water in the sulphur springs. These 
Plovers are continually to be seen wading about in the warm yellow water of these springs, feeding on 
the floating scum and on the small salamander worms which abound in such places. 

Captain Mair found them nesting on a small flat surrounded by hot springs ; but this was before 
the Tarawera eruption had devastated the district and obliterated the waters of Eotomahana. 

In a meadow near the pretty little township of Waipukurau I saw several perfectly black Stilt- 
Plovers associating closely with the AVhite-headed Stilt, and feeding amongst the grass ; they took 
no heed of the passing train, although within twenty yards of them. 

During the breeding-season these Stilts resort to every kind of subterfuge in order to draw intruders 
away from their nests. On the first a,larm they secrete their young behind a stone or in a tuft of 
grass, and then go through their sham performance, enacting the part of a wounded bird in dire distress, 
flapping their wings, as if unable to rise from the ground, then trailing their legs as if broken, and 
tumbling about within a few yards of their pursuers till a safe distance from the nest has been reached, 
when all disguise is thrown off and the birds mount in the air and make a long circuit overhead, to 
reconnoitre the ground. If surprised in a place where there is no cover, the young birds squat close to 
the ground, trusting for concealment to the harmony of colour, and so strong is this instinct of self- 
preservation that they will remain perfectly motionless even when touched by the hand. 

Mr. Potts records a nest, with three eggs, on Eakaia river-bed, on the 1 3th of September, and 
another, containing two, in the same locality, on the 14th of December; and in a note to myself 
he adds that he has seen the young as early as the middle of October. The eggs are of an elegant 
ovoido-conical form, measuring 1’8 inch in length by 1'3 in breadth, and of a warm yellowish- 
brown colour, handsomely marked over the entire surface with conspicuous spots of brownish black. 
There are good comparative series of the eggs of both this and the preceding species in the Canterbury 
Museum ; and the difference they exhibit is very manifest to the eye, although not easily described. 

Mr. Seebohm suggests that this species is the result of “ an intermarriage of llimanto^us leuco- 
ceplialus with ll.melanopterm” and he proposes to call it Himantopus leucoceplialus picatus-” but 
I think it would be extremely unsafe to adopt that view ; for, as a matter of fact, no one has yet 
recorded an instance of the Black Stilt and the White-headed species breeding together, which would 
follow as a matter of course on the supposition of hybridism. 


Oeber LIMICOL^.] 


[Fam. SCOLOPACIDJE. 


HIMANIOPUS ALBICOLLIS. 

(WHITE-NECKED STILT-PLOVER.) 


IIimantopi(^ albicollis, Buller, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. 'vol. vii. p. 224 (1874). 


• capite toto cum collo uudique et corpore subtus toto albis : interscapulio^ scapularibus cum dorso summo et 
tectricibus alarum nigris ; remigibus anguste albido terminatis : subalaribus nigris : dorso postico et uropygio 
albis : cauda nigra : rostro nigro : pedibus pallidb cruentatis. 

Adult. Head, neck all round, and all tbe under surface of the body, lower part of back, rump, and upper tail- 
coverts pure white ; across the shoulders, scapulars, and upper surfaee of wings glossy black, with greenish 
reflections, the inferior primaries and the secondaries tipped with white ; under surface of wings and the 
axillary plumes black j tail-feathers glossy black. Bill black ; irides red ; legs and feet pinky red. Total 
length 14 25 inches j wing, from flexure, 9'25 ; tail 3 j bill, along the ridge 2‘6, along the edge of lower 
mandible 2-9 ; bare tibia 2'2; tarsus 3' 75; middle toe and claw TS. 

Obs. The specimen from which the above description was taken is undoubtedly an adult bird, and is in a moulting 
condition, the glossy greenish-black feathers of the mantle replacing the brownish-black plumage of an 
earlier state. 

Young. Has the bead and neck as in the adult, but with the crown and nape more or less stained or washed 
with dark grey ; all the feathers of the upper parts narrowly margined with brown. 

More advanced state. The brown margins on the upper surface disappear, tbe plumage changing to dull satiny 
black with a greenish gloss, the clouded markings on the crown and nape, however, remaining unaffected. 
The adolescence of the bird in this condition of plumage is indubitably shown by its swollen tarsi. 

dSote. Through the kind attention of Mr. C. H. Hobson, I have received from Cape Campbell a Plover clearly 
referable to the above species. From the enlarged condition of tbe tarsi below the joint, it is evidently an 
immature bird, and this will account for the crown and hind neck being tinged or faintly mottled with grey, 
these parts being wholly white in the adult. The flanks, rump, and under tail-coverts are clouded with 
black ; tail-feathers on their inner web and towards the base white ; the rest of the plumage as in my type. 


a paper which I communicated to the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury “ On the Genus 
Himantofus in New Zealand ” *, I discriminated, under the above name, a form which appeared to 
tae to he specifically distinct from the two preceding ones. 

Five or six specimens have since passed through my hands at various times, but most of these 
were in a somewhat immature condition of plumage, thus raising in my mind a doubt as to whether 
this bird may not, after all, be merely a seasonal state of H. novae zealandiw. 

Mr. Seebohm is of opinion that my Ilimantopus albicollis is in reality the almost cosmopolitan 
II. nielanopten'us, and in his latest work, on the Charadriidse, he accordingly states, as a fact, that the 
latter species has been met with in New Zealand. It has been known to occur in the Philippine 
Islands, and there would be nothing extraordinary in a few stragglers finding their way, at irregular 
interva.s, to New Zealand. But after carefully examining the extensive series of specimens in the 
British Museum, I find it impossible to accept his determination of the species. Among other minor 

E 2 


* Trans. A.-Z. Inst. vol. vii. pp. 220-224. 


28 


differences, I find that U. melcmopterus, at all stages of its growth, has a white or greyish tail, whereas 
H. albicolhs in the adult state has a black one, and this alone would form a good distinguishing 
character. Again, H. albicolUs has the primaries and secondaries tipped with white, whereas in 
II. melanopterus they are entirely black. 

Mr. Hamilton, in his account of the birds of the Petane district (Hawke’s Bay), says * that “ the 
White-necked Stilt occurs not unfrequently.” 

As the subject, however, seems to need further investigation, it may be well to reprint here a 
portion of my paper referred to above : — 

“ Probably tbe most puzzling group of birds we have in Ifew Zealand is that of the Stilt-Plovers, and my object in submitting 
the following notes is to make another step towards a better acquaintance with and elucidation of the species. 

“ In the first place, it is somewhat remarkable that New Zealand should possess certainly two, if not three, species of a genus 
of birds so peculiar that (if we except a small one said to exist on the west coast of Madagascar) each of the great divisions of 
the globe can only boast of one. Even Australia, teeming as it is with wading birds, is the home of only one species of Stilt 
(//. leueoceplialns), which is also common to New Zealand, Ternate, Celebes, and Timor. The existence of a second species in this 
country {H. novae zealandim) was first recorded by Mr. Gould in 1841. Since that date several other names have been added, 
and (owing to our imperfect knowledge of the seasonal and transitional states of plumage) the nomenclature has got into a state 
of confusion. As in aU such cases, the only escape from this is a careful study of the species at aU ages and at all seasons of the 
year, noting the changes of plumage that occur, and tracing their progress from youth to maturity. 

“ The present jiaper is intended to be a contribution of this sort, but as I have not collected or dissected any of the specimens 
referred to, it would be manifestly unfair to hold me responsible for the data. Particulars of season, sex, &c., I have been com- 
pelled to take on trust. 

‘ For the purposes of this examination I have had before me forty-three specimens, in different conditions of plumage, 
belonging to the Canterbury Museum. 

“ Ihere is no difficulty whatever in separating llimantopm lemocepliulus, which is distinguished from H. novee zealandice in 
the somewhat similar seasonal plumage by its purer and well-defined colours, its smaller bill, and appreciably shorter toes and 
claws. Of course specimens vary, and in a series like the present we meet with large examples of H. leucocephalus and small 
examples of H. novee zealandice, but the general rule holds good throughout. The young are readily distinguished by the enlarge- 
ment towards the distal end of the tarsus (a provision for the future lengthening of this bone), which diminishes with the 
growth of the bird. There are two fledglings in the collection, and as the description of the ‘ young ’ given in my ‘ Birds of New 
Zealand ’ (1st ed. p. 203) is taken from a somewhat older bird, I append the following notes : — 

“ II. leucocephalus, juv. — Crown of the head, back, and upper surface of the wings brownish black, tinged more or less with 
brown, and many of the feathers being narrowly tipped with grejdsh white ; hind neck greyish white, mottled with black in its 
lower portion ; forehead, fore neck, and all the tinder surface, as well as the rump, white ; the whole of the quills black, the 
inferior primaries and the secondaries narrowly tipped with white ; tail-feathers black, edged with fulvous, and white at the 
base. (Obtained at Rakaia, Nov. 1872. Weight, 6 oz.) 

“ Of Himantopas novee zealandice I have given in the ‘ Birds of New Zealand’ (1st ed. pp. 205-206) descriptions of the summer, 
winter, and adolescent states of plumage, and under the head of ‘ Remarks’ I have referred to the numerous transitional states 
which have led to so much confusion in regard to this species. The description there given, however, of the adult in winter, I 
wish now to qualify by stating that the uniform dark plumage on the abdomen is by no means a constant character. 

“ First of aU, as a result of my present examination, I feel bound to dismiss Himantoptis spicatus, Potts, as having no claim 
whatever to the rank of a species. The typo specimen is now before me, and the distribution of colours (as may be seen on 
reference to the published description) t indicates a transitional condition. The extra length of leg (as compared with II. novee 
zeedandice) appears to be rather in the tibia than in the tarsus. Mr. Potts makes the black neck and breast his distinguishing 
feature ; but there is another bird in the collection (a male) in w'hioh the tarsus is 4 inches and the tibia 2 inches — altogether a 
bird of smaller proportions — in w'hioh the distribution of colours is the same, although there is a less extent of black on the 
breast. 

“ I have already described (1. e. p. 204) the young of this species from two young specimens in the Canterbury Museum, the 
parentage of which was placed beyond all doubt by Mr. Fuller, who secured at the same time the two old birds in black summer 
plumage. I maj^ add that these latter are still in the collection j the male is perfectly black, and the female slightly pied. 

“A more matured example of the young bearing the following label, ‘ Shot in Bottle Lake, Jan. 28, 1872 ; juv. female • 

parent bird black,’ qiresents a general resemblance to the young of Ilimantoiyus leucooephcdus, but on a close comparison the 
following differences arc observable : — The crown is lighter, being of an almost uniform ash-grey ; there is more greyish w'hite 


* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. xviii. p. 127. 


t Op. cit. vol. V. p. 198. 


29 


^ shoulders, and the tail-feathers instead of being black are ashy white, the outer ones having a broad subapical mark 

on the axillary plumes, under the wings, instead of being black are pure white ; there are fewer light margins 

differ inferior primaries and the secondaries are more largely tipped with white. Some of these 

ces, however, may be due to the fact that this is a somewhat older bird. In the other specimens, mentioned above, the 
ars are black, as in the young of II. leueocej}halus. 

Were k'l ^ contains nine perfectly black specimens. Of these eight are males ; and, according to the labels, all of them 

both ^ 10 summer. Out of twelve other specimens more or less pied with white, only three are females, all of them (of 
xes) being also summer birds. The extent of white, liowever, varies considerably in birds shot at one and the same time, 
xhibiting only a few white feathers on the neck and breast, whilst in others the white predominates. This irregularity 
^ P a^e may perhaps be accounted for on the supposition that the birds do not undergo the complete change at their first 
sona moult, but at some later period — say in their second or third year. 

There are two specimens in the collection which are of more than ordinary interest, because they are quite distinct in 
PP arance from either If. leucocephalm or H. novee zealandice in their full plumage, and cannot, so far as I at present see, be a 
1 b 1 state of either of those species. One of these, presented to the Museum by the late Dr. Barker, bears the following 

e , Orari, Feb. 16, 1872, male,’ and appears to be in full adult plumage. The other, which is labelled ‘ Saltwater Creek, 
1 tt^ is apparently a less matured bird. On observing certain indications of a change from black to white in the 

^ 6V, I at first supposed that the white head and neck might represent the true winter plumage of Iliraantopus novee zealandim ; 

) as directly opposed to this view. Dr. Barker’s specimen, which I am disposed to regard as a distinct species, was killed 
8 the end of summer. In this bird the entire head and neck, with the breast and underparts, are pure white ; rump and 
Pier tail coverts also white ; back, scapulars, and upper surface of wings and tail glossy black, the inferior primaries and the 
oudaiies tipped with white ; under surface of wings and the axillary plumes black. 

... selecting a specific name for this bird 1 have adopted that of H. albieollis, because it exactly expresses the feature which 

others, namely, its having the neck entirely white. The same name was applied to a Stilt-Plover 
y leillot, but this has proved to be only a synonym of II. autumnalis and the title is therefore free again. 

e senes of specimens under consideration is unfortunately very deficient in examples killed in winter, and the exami- 
nation of tho subject therefore has not been as complete or exhaustive as I would wish ; but two points at any rate have been 
gained, namely the elimination from our list of Himantopus spieatns (which proves to be no species at all) and the placing on 
recoid of a hitherto undescribed form — the White-necked Stilt — which, so far as our present evidence goes, is a good and valid 
species. To my mind it is perfectly clear that it is either II. novee zealandice in the mature winter plumage, hitherto unknown, 

or it is a distinct species ; and if Dr. Barker’s specimen is rightly labelled as killed in summer, that fact alone is sufficient to 

disprove the former assumption.” 


rile late Dr. Jerdon wrote thus (Ibis, 1865, p. 35) of Simantopus leucocephalus : — “Examples 
of this bird quite similar to those figured in the ‘ Birds of Australia,’ and to others which I have seen 
from this region, are not unfrequently obtainable in Lower Bengal in the same flocks with the 
common H. cand^dus (seu melanopterus). Great numbers of Longshanks are brought to the Calcutta 
provision-bazaar, often several dozens of them of a morning, during the season of their stay. Of 
these the great majority have a sooty-brown occiput, which changes to black a.t the approach of the 
reec ing-season ; but occasionally one then occurs with a purely white head and neck, or with more 
or less black down the nape, sometimes a mere trace of it, and sometimes the black nape is well 
eve oped (though never to the extent that is constant in the American species), and this may or may 
not be accompanied by the black occiput. I have also seen purely white-headed and white-naped 
specimens from Egypt, and one male from that country with just an indication of the dark nape ; 
theie is one with black nape and occiput among the British-killed specimens in the British Museum, 
and I have seen others like it from Europe and North Africa. Whether the leucocephalus type be 
constant in Australia remains to be ascertained ; and the most likely explanation of this extraordinary 
and anomalous variation is, that differentiated races of this bird have more or less commingled, 
lost assuredly it can neither be referred to difference of age nor of season.” 

Mhether this interbreeding has actually occurred in New Zealand I am not in a position to say ; 
ut it may be well to remember that instances of apparent hybridism between the Black and Pied 
yster-catchers (quite a parallel case) are not uncommon. In January, 1886, I saw on the ocean-beach 
^ etween Whakatane and Matata, a beautiful Pied Oyster-catcher paired with a perfectly black one. 
Ihe nesting-season was far advanced and these birds were without doubt breeding together. 


Okdee LIMICOL^.] 


[Fam. SCOLOPACID^. 


PHALAEOPTIS FULICAEIUS. 

(THE GREY PHALAEOPE.) 


Tringa fulicaria, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 249 (1766, ex Edw.). 

Tringa glaeialis, Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 676 (1788). 

Phalaropus lohatus. Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. p. 766 (1790). 

Phalaropus glacialis (Gmel.), Lath. tom. cit. p. 776 (1790). 

Phalaropus rufus, Bechst. Naturg. Deutschl. ed. 2, iv. p. .381 (1809). 

Phalaropus platyrliynchus, Temm. Man. d’Orn. p. 459 (1815). 

Phalaropus griseus, Leach, Cat. M. «& B. Brit. Mus. p. 34 (1816). 

Crymophilus rufus (Bechst.), Vieill. N. Diet. viii. p. 521 (1817). 

Lohipes hyperhoreas, Boss in Boss’s Voy., 8vo, ii. App. p. 167 (1819, nec Linn.). 
Phalaropus fulicarius (Linn.), Bonap. Comp. List, p. 54 (1838). 

Phalaropus platyrostris, Nordm. in DemidofF, Voy. Buss. Merid. iii. p. 250 (1840). 
Phalaropus asiaticus, Hume, Stray Feathers, i. p. 246 (1873). 


$ ad. phi. ffisA pdeo, nucha, mento et plumis ad basin rostri nigris, pileo saturatiore, macuM magntl albd peri- 
opthalmica fere ad nucham product^ : collo postico nigricaute : dorso et scapularibus nigris, plurais omnibus 
rufescenti-ochraceo marginatis : primariis nigricanti-cinereis, rliachidibus albis, pogonio externo ad basin 
albido : secundariis cinereis albido marginatis, intimis nonnullis brevibus ferb omnino albis, secundariis intimis 
elongatis nigricanti-emereis versus apicem albido vix marginatis : tectricibus alarum nigricanti-cinereis, 
medianis albido vix apicatis, et majoribus conspicue albo terminatis ; uropygio cinereo : supracaudalibus ferru- 
gineis medialiter nigro notatis ; reetricibus centralibus nigricantibus, rcliquis saturate cinereis, duabus ex- 
timis versus apicem ru£o notatis : corpore subtiis saturate ferruginco : subalaribus albis cinereo notatis : 
pedibus sordide olivaceis : rostro fla.vo, ad apicem nigro : iride fused. 

(J ad. ptil. (Est. minor et sordidior : pileo baud nigro sed nueba et dorso nigricantibus, brunnescenti-ocbraceo 
notatis, maculd capitis laterali indistincta, et corpore subtus pallidiore, abdominis plumis albo marginatis 
facile a femina distinguendus. 

Ptil. Mem. fronte, guld, collo et corpore subtus pure albis, pileo nigro, plumis albis immixtis : nuebd, collo postico 
et dorso antico nigris vix albido notatis : dorso et uropygio cum scapularibus pallide cjerulescenti-cinereis 
Aux nigro notatis : alis ut in ptilosi sestivali, sed nigricantibus nec nigricanti-cinereis : fascid nigrd per 
oculos produetd : rostro olivaceo : pedibus grisescenti-olivaceis. 

Adult femaU in hreeding-plumage. Crown, nape, chin, and all round the base of the bill black, this colour being 
most intense on the crown ; a large white patch covering the sides of the head round the eye, and extending 
backwards to the nape, where it nearly joins ; entire uuderparts and neck all round, except a narrow central 
black line at the back, rich dark rusty red ; back and scapulars black, the feathers all margined with rusty 
yellow ; primaries blackish grey on the outer web and on the central and terminal portion of the inner web 
the outer and basal portion being white ; shafts white ; secondaries dark greyish, margined with white, one or 
two of the inner short ones nearly pure white ; elongated inner secondaries blackish grey, narrowly edo-ed 
with white at the tip ; wing-coverts dark grey, the median coverts slightly edged with whitish, and larger 
wing-coverts broadly terminated with white, forming a broad white bar across the wing ; rump greyish • 
upper tail-coverts dark rusty red, marked with dark brown or black along the centre of some of the feathers • 
central rectrices blackish, remainder dark slate-grey, the two outer ones on each side marked with dark rufous 
towards the tip ; under wing-coverts white and grey varied. Irides dark brown ; bill flat, in colour yellowish. 


31 


cept at the tip, where it is black ; legs dull olive. Total length 8‘5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 5 ‘4 ; tail 2'3 ; 
1 , a oug the ridge -9, along the edge of lower mandible 1 j tarsus -75 ; middle toe and claw '95. 

ba -plumage. Differs from the female in being much duller in colour ; the crown, nape, and 

are black, marked with rusty or yellowish brown, all the feathers being margined with this colour, so 
only to allow the black to appear through here and there ; the white patch on the side of the face is 

a most obsolete, and the underparts are much duller in colour, the feathers on the lower abdomen being 
edged with white, 

plumage. Differs from the summer plumage in having the upper parts generally black and grey, and the 
erparts pure white; forehead, throat, neck, and entire under parts pure white; erown, nape, a narrow 
o\^n the back of the neck, and the fore part of the back black, slightly marked with whitish; on the 
feathers; back, rump, and scapulars dark French grey, intermixed with a few 
ac ish feathers, one or two of which latter are slightly margined with yellowish brown; wings as in the 
summer dress, but much blacker, the grey shade being almost absent ; through and behind the eyes a broad 
ac ish streak. Dill dark olive ; legs greyish olive. 


Ha few unimportant alterations and additions, 1 have availed myself of Mr. Dresser’s permission 
o use the excellent description of this species given in his ‘ Birds of Europe.’ 

1883^^^ hitherto recorded example of this Palsearctic species in New Zealand was shot, in June 

^^^^hael Studholme on the naii’ow strip of sandy beach which separates the 
mate lagoon from the sea. He observed it flying alone, without any companions ; and on dis- 
ernin^ that it was something new he sent the specimen to the Canterbury Museum. 

The late Sir Julius von Haast, who brought the occurrence under the notice of the Philosophical 
nstitute of Canterbury, gave the following interesting account of it * : — 

/o.oc I did not receive the bird in the flesh, but, judging from its total length 

inches), it is most probably a female. The plumage, fully agreeing with the descriptions of 
uropean and North-American specimens, proves that this Waimate example is in its breeding or fine 
ummer diess. The occurrence of this bird is, therefore, one of the most curious facts on record 
an addition to our New-Zealand avifauna; but as it resembles in general appearance, at least at a 
stance, some of our smaller Wading-birds, it may, although probably only an occasional straggler, 
nave hitherto escaped detection by our naturalists. 

in th fodowing remarks as to its habits and migrations may demonstrate this strange appearance 
Scotl hemisphere still more clearly. In winter the Grey Phalarope is found regularly in 

uud England, but not so frequently on the coasts of Germany, France, Italy, or North Africa. 
9'Ud ^if often been observed in the Black, as well as in the Japanese, Chinese, and Indian seas ; 

ins/ ^ essentially a marine bird, it winters regularly in some parts of the interior of Asia, as, for 
^ s ance, m Persia. It also occurs in the Arctic regions of America, leaving for the south when the 
, ^tumu faiily sets in, and travelling as far as Mexico and Guatemala. The occurrence of this 
u the southern hemisphere, as far as the latitude of New Zealand, is therefore very remarkable, 
especially in the middle of the arctic summer, and can only be accounted for by assuming that this 
for tl^^' Pi^obably a flock, had been driven southwards by stress of weather when the time arrived 
to their home in Eastern Siberia or Western North America. However, the most 
ous act is that the specimen before us is in its most brilliant summer or breeding-dress, and quite 
all oi the year when it is breeding in the arctic regions ; while, according to 

in the^*^'^"'*^* accessible to me, it has always been observed after its emigration to its winter-quarters 
instea/^f^^ southern regions to be clothed in its more sober white and ash- coloured winter dress, 
0 the rich rufous and black tints our specimen possesses so conspicuously.” 


* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. xvi. p. 279. 


Oebek LIMICOLiE.] 


[Fam. SCOLOPACIDJE. 


GALLINAGO AUCKLANDICA. 

(AUCKLAND-ISLAND SNIPE.) 


Gallinago aucMandica, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terr., Birds, p. 13, pi. 13 (1844). 
Scolopax holmesi, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp. viii. p. 229 (1848). 

Ccenocorgpha aucMandica, Gray, Cat. Gen. of B. p. 119 (1855). 


Ad. suprk ochraceo-fulvescens : pileo rufescenti-brunneo, plurais medialiter nigris: lineA vcrticali et supercilio 
ktissimo stramineis : collo postico magis fulvescente, plumis medialiter nigris : dorso rufescenti-brunneo, 
plumw nigro irregulariter maculatis aut vermiculatis, scapularibus et dorsi plumis quibusdam stramineo 
margiiiatis : tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus : remigibus pallide brunneis, secuudariis dorso conco- 
lonbus et eodum modo nigro maculatis et extus late stramineo limbatis : caud^ brunneS., rectricibus centrali- 
bus rufescente variis, exterioribus pallide cinerascentibus medialiter saturatioribus ; facie laterali straminea, 
brunneo minute triquetre maculata, linea per ocnlum duct4 paullb saturatiore : subtus fulvescens, gul;\ et 
abdomine immaculatis : gutture imo, pectore superiore et laterali cum crisso rufescenti-brnnneis, plumis 
saturatiore brunneo aut triquetre medialiter notatis, aut transversira vermiculatis : subalaribus cinerascenti- 
bruimeis ; rostro grisescenti-corneo : pedibus pallide brunneis : iride nigr^. 


Adult. Crown of the head rufous brown, varied with dark brown, and with a narrow fulvous line down the 
middle , forehead and cheeks fulvous white, the former with an upward median streak of brown ; from the 
base of the upper mandible to the anterior edge of the eyes a dull streak of the same ; upper surface dark 
rufous brown, variegated with irregular spots of fulvous and black, especially on the back and scapulars, each 
feather being margined outwardly with pale fulvous, and marked with a large subterminal spot of black ; 
underparts of the body pale fulvous, whitish on the abdomen, the breast obscurely spotted, the sides and flanks 
varied with rufous brown. Irides black ; bill greyish brown ; tarsi and toes pale brown. Length 9 inches • 
extent of wings 14} wing, from flexure, 4-5 ; tail 2 ; bill, along the ridge 2, along the edge of lower man- 
dible 2‘3 } tarsus 1 ; middle toe and claw 1'5. 


Young. A very young bird in Canon Tristram's collection, with the down still adhering to the feathers, has 
similar plumage to the adult, but with broader margins to the feathers of the upper surface, and a larger 
extent of fulvous white on the abdomen. 


Note. In his ^Catalogue of New-Zealand Birds' (p. 77), Prof. Hutton treats Gallinago pusilla as distinct from 
this species, and says of it : — “ In its colours this bird very much resembles the figure of G. stricklandi, 
Gray, in the Voyage of the Erebus and Terror,' pi. 33, of which there is no description nor locality given. 
It, however, appears to be smaller, and to have a much shorter bill than stricklandi.” 


This fine Snipe was brought from the Auckland Islands by the Antarctic Expedition in 1844, and 
the type specimen is in the British Museum. 

If I am right in again separating the New-Zealand form, under the name of Gallinago pusilla 
it would seem that the Auckland-Island species has never been met with either on our coasts or at the 
Chatham Islands. It has, however, been recorded from the Snares, a group of rocky islets to the 
south of Stewart’s Island. 

Sir James Hector quite recently writes to me:— “ From Antipodes Island, Captain Fairchild has 
brought a very interesting form of Snipe, which is larger, darker in plumage, and with a more curved 
bill than the Auckland-Island species.” 


; \ 



0 UDD S. C° LI M IT ED, IM P 


the island snipe, 

gallinago pusilla. 

(THREE -FIFTHS NATURAL SIZE.) 


THE EASTERN GODWIT 

LTMOSA NOViE ZEALANDIA:. 




Oedee LIMICOL^.] 


[Fam. SCOLOPACID^. 


GALLINAGO PTISILLA. 

(CHATHAM-ISLAND SNIPE.) 


Gallinago pusilla, Buller, Ibis, 1869, p. 41. 

GalUnago aucMandica, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 196 (1873). 

G. aucklandicce similis, sed minor. 

Adult. Upper surface dark rufous brown ; variegated with irregular spots of fulvous and black, these markings 
being most conspicuous on the back and scapulars, the feathers on these parts being margined outwardly 
with pale fulvous, and marked with a large subterminal spot of black ; underparts fulvous ; on the sides of 
the head and breast numerous spots of rufous brown, of which colour there is also an irregular line from the 
base of the upper mandible to the anterior edge of the eyes ; sides of the body and flanks variegated with 
crescentic marks of rufous brown. Bill greyish brown ; feet pale brown. Total length 8 inches, extent of 
wings 13 ; wing, from flexure, 4 ; tail 1-5 ; bill, along the ridge 1-75, along the edge of lower mandible 1-5 ; 
tarsus '75 ; middle toe and claw 1’2, hind toe and claw •2'. 

Young. Darker on the upper surface, the fulvous margins being reduced to mere lines, with an inner border of 
black forming a distinct crescent ; on the scapulars and larger wing-coverts there are three such crescents 
in succession, but these markings are only observable on the plumage being disturbed ; there is less fulvous 
on the underparts, the sides of the body, abdomen, and under tail-coverts being marked with crescents of 
rufous brown, which are broadest and most distinct on the flanks. 

Note. “Judging from the measurements of specimens recently obtained in the Chatham Islands (c/. Finsch, 
J- f. O. 1874, p. 197) I am inclined to regard G. pusilla as a smaller species than G. aucklandica, which from 
its constantly lesser dimensions may be well kept distinct.^’ (Sharpe in Voy. Ereb. & Terr. 1875, p. 30.) 

In 1868 I received from Dr. (now Sir James) Hector a small Snipe obtained by Mr. Charles Traill 
during a visit to the Chatham Islands, the specimen being accompanied by tbe following memo- 
randum ; — “ Found on a small rocky islet off Chatham Island.” A second specimen, in no way 
differing from the first, and procured from the same locality, was deposited by that gentleman in the 
Colonial Museum. On comparing these birds with Mr. G. E. Gray’s description of GalUnago auck- 
landica, I considered that the species was a distinct one, and characterized it accordingly [1. c.) as 
GalUnago pusilla, in allusion to its small size. The next record of its occurrence was from the Gulf 
of Hauraki, near Auckland ; and Mr. Henry Travers subsequently brought further examples from 
the Chatham Islands. 

Having brought with me to England one of Mr. Traill’s original specimens, for illustration in 
tty former edition, I carefully compared it with a series of eight skins of GalUnago aucklandica in the 

ritish Museum brought from the Auckland Islands by the Antarctic expedition, and with another 
rom the same locality in the possession of the late Mr. Gould, and I came to the conclusion that, 
notwithstanding the great difference in the length of the bill, they were referable to one and the same 
species or, at any rate, that till further specimens had been obtained it would be unwise to separate 
them. I summarized the results of my examination thus : — 

In bis description of GalUnago aucklandica, Mr. Gray gives the following measurements : — Length 9 inches, 

42, bill 2 inches and 4 lines.” In the type of my G. pusilla the dimensions are appreciably smaller in 
every way j and in the specimen which I brought to England for comparison they are as follows : — Length 8 inches ; 


34 


wing, from flexure, 4; bill along the ridge 1'7. Mr. Gould's speeimen has the same length of wing, but the bill 
measures 2'45 inches. Of the eight examples in the British Museum, one corresponds very nearly with the last 
mentioned, in four of them the bill measures 2*25, in two others it barely exceeds 2 inches, and in the remaining 
one it is only 1'8 inch; while in none of them does the wing vary, in any material degree, from the standard 
length of 4 inches. The slight individual difFerences of plumage are only of the kind we are accustomed to look 
for in members of this group. 


In 1875 Baron von A. Hiigel, in a letter to ‘ The Ibis,’ giving an account of his collecting-tour 
in New Zealand, said : — “ In Invercargill I was very fortunate in procuring good things. I got two 
specimens of a Qallinago there, which I thought interesting enough to send to you. ... As you will 
see, the one is from the Snares (south of Stewart Isle) ; and after comparing it with specimens from 
the Chatham Isles in the Otago Museum, I have not the slightest doubt that the two are identical. 

But the Snipe from the Auckland Isles seems to me different in size and colouring It struck 

me at the time that after all there might be differences between Gallinago aucMandica and Q.pusilla, 
which I believe are at present considered synonymous.” A year later Mr. Sharpe, in the Supplement 
to the ‘ Birds ’ of the ‘ Erebus and Terror ’ (as quoted above), treated the species as distinct. It was 
not, however, till I received this year from Canon Tristram two specimens of Snipes, which he had 
obtained from New Zealand and the Auckland Islands respectively, that I felt disposed to rehabilitate 
my Gallinago fusilla. Before doing so, I took the precaution of submitting the two skins to 
Professor Newton, who returned them to me with the following note “ The smaller one has, to my 
eyes, many if not all the characteristics of a young bird ; but hereby I do not mean to declare it to be 
the j oung of the laiger one. There is to be borne in mind the possibility of a species retaining the 
plumage of immaturity in its adult condition — in other words, of being permanently immature in this 
lespect. But, on the whole, I am strongly inclined to think that this smaller specimen is the skin 
of a young bird, though I cannot persuade myself that it is the young of Gallinago aucUandica, 
supposing the larger specimen to be rightly named. I demur to what you say as to the bill of the 
smaller specimen not being that of a young bird, for I well remember being very much struck with 
the large size of the bill of a nearly full-grovvn J ack-Snipe (of which T made a careful drawing, that 
I now possess, in Lapland many years ago), and I have seen the same amount of development in the 
young of our Common Snipe. Thus you will see that my impression is that the two specimens 
belong to different species, but that one is young and the other adult. I much wish I could speak 
more positively on the matter, but in any case it would be useful to figure the smaller specimen.” 

Mr. Sharpe, to whom I also submitted these specimens, pronounced unhesitatingly in favour of 
two species. On communicating the above results to Canon Tristram, he wrote to me 

I am much interested in your report of my South-Pacific Snipes. I am now sending you the 
j oung of Gallinago aiicklandica for examination. You will see that it confirms our view of the 
distinctness of the two species, for it would expand into G. auclclandica but never into G. gyusilla. 
Of the latter I have never seen the young.” 

Ml. Cheeseman writes, under date June 2, 1884: — “I have a specimen of Gallinago pusilla 
in the Auckland Museum, obtained by Mr. T. B. Hill in the Raglan district many years ago ; but I 
have never met with the bird myself.” 


It appears to me that Gallinago pusilla is now fairly entitled to take rank as a good and valid 
species, and I have accordingly figured, on the same Plate as Limosa novee zealaiidiw. Canon Tristram’s 
specimen, although apparently in younger condition than my type, which has been sent back to 
New Zealand. It is only right, however, to mention that Mr. Seebohm, to whom Canon Tristram had 
previously shown his specimens, expressed (and I believe still holds to) the belief that both birds are 
referable to the same species, the differences presented by the smaller one being due to immaturity. 


Okdee LIMICOL^.] 


[Fam. SCOLOPACID^, 


TEINGA CANUTES. 

(THE KNOT.) 


Tringa canutus, Linn. Syst, Nat. i. p. 251 (1766). 

Tringa calidris, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 252 (1766). 

Charadrius utopievsis. Mull. Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 117 (1776). 

Mauheche tachetee. Buff. PI. Enl. viii. p. 363 (1783). 

Grisled Sandpiper, Lath. Gen. Syn. B. iii. pt. 1, p. 175 (1785). 

Southern Sandpiper, Lath. tom. cit. p. 187 (1785). 

Tringa cinerea, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 673 (1788). 

Tringa australis, Gm. tom. cit. p. 679 (1788, ex l.ath.). 

Tringa ncevia, Gm. tom. cit. p. 681 (1788, ex Buff.). 

Tringa grisea, Gm. tom. cit. p. 681 (1788, ex Lath.). 

Tringa islandica, Gm. tom. cit. p. 682 (1788, ex Briinn.). 

Tringa ferruginea, Meyer, Taschenb. deutsch. Vogelk. ii. p. 395 (1810). 
Tringa rufa, Wils. Am. Orn. vii. p. 43, pi. 57 (1813). 

Canutus islandicus, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. p. 654 (1831). 

Canutus cinereus, Brehm, op. cit. p. 655, Taf. 34. fig. 2 (1831). 

Calidris canutus, Gould, B. of Eur. iv. pi. 324 (1837). 

Canutus rufescens, Brehm, Naum. 1855, p. 292. 


Native name. — Huahou. 


■^d. ptil, Mem. supra cinerascens : pilei plumis medialiter nigris, utrinque fulvescentibus, vix striatis : collo postico 
pallidiore, plumis nigro anguste medialiter striatis : dorso toto et scapularibus fulvescente et nigro alterne 
marginatis ; uropygio imo et supracaudalibus albis, grisescenti-uigro transnotatis : tectricibus alarum 
saturate cincrascentibus, minimis anguste, majoribus late albido limbatis, his etiam conspicue albo termi- 
natis : aM spuria remigibusque saturate brunneis, albido plus minusve late limbatis ; rcmigum scapis albis : 
Cauda einerea, plumis anguste albido marginatis, scapis albis : supercilio parvo albo : facie lateral!, collo 
undique et pectore superiore albis, minute brunneo striatis vel maculatis : guH alba : corpore reliquo subtus 
albo, hypochondriis paullb grisescente vai’iis : subalaribus et axillaribus albis, his vix grisescente notatis : 
rosti’o nigro : pedibus olivascenti-nigris. 

■dd. ptil. (Bstiv. omnino diversus, rufus : pilei plumis nigro medialiter lineatis : collo postico eodem modo angus- 
tissime striato : dorsi plumis conspicue medialiter nigris, rufo marginatis : tectricibus alarum et supra- 
caudalibus ut in ptilosi hiemali coloratis, his autem rufescentibus : subtus Isete rufus, abdomine albicante, 
hypochondriis fasciis sagittiformibus notatis. 

Adult in winter. Crown of the head, hind neck, and all the upper surface greyish brown, with darker shaft-lines, 
the feathers sometimes centred with brown ; sides of the head, chin, and throat white ; an obscure greyish 
streak across the lores ; fore neck and breast all round greyish white, with numerous minute streaks of 
brown ; on raising the plumage of these parts each feather is found to be largely centred Avith brown, Avith 
a produced apical spot of the same j underparts of the body white, varied on the sides and flanks Avith 
irregular letter-V markings of brown j inner lining of wings greyish white, the axillary plumes pencilled 
with broAATi in wavy lines ; rump and upper tail-coverts Avhite, Avith circular bars of broAvn ; Aving-feathers 

I’ 2 


36 


dark brown, with white shafts ; tail-feathers paler brown, with white shafts. Irides and hill black ; legs 
greyish black. Length 10 inches ; wing, from flexure, 6-25 ; tail 2-25 ; hill, along the ridge 1-3, along the 
edge of lower mandible 1'4 ; bare tibia ‘5 ; tarsus 1’2 ; middle toe and claw 1 ; hind toe and claw ’25. 

Adult in summer . Differs in having the plumage of the back brownish black, varied more or less with broad 
round spots of rufous j the sides of the head, throat, fore neck, breast, upper part of the abdomen, and sides 
of the body bright rufous ; some of the feathers narrowly margined with white. 

A specimen in full summer plumage, shot in the vicinity of Christchurch on the 2nd April, and 
preserved in the Museum, presents the following measurements : — ^Extreme length 9 inches ; wing, from 
flexure, 6‘4; tail 2'25 ; bill, along the ridge 1'15, along the edge of lower mandible 1'15 ; bare tibia '55 ; 
tarsus I'lSj middle toe and claw 1‘15; hallux ‘25. 

Another example in rust-red plumage was obtained by Reischek on the sand-banks in Manukau harbour. 

Young. Readily distinguished by the crescentic markings on the upper parts, each feather having a narrow sub- 
terminal streak of black ; the scapulars, wing-coverts, and long secondaries margined beyond with white. 

Var. Mr. Cheeseman informs me that when out shooting at Manukau harbour he observed an albino. He did 
his utmost to secure it, but the bird was very shy and eluded him. 

Obs. There are two noticeable specimens in the Auckland Museum. One of these has the sides of the face, fore 
part and sides of neck, and the whole of the breast pale rufous ; primaries and secondaries slaty black, the 
latter margined on their outer vanes with white ; tail-feathers slaty grey with a very narrow margin of 
white. In the other there are only clouded markings of the rufous colour on the same parts. In both birds 
the upper surface is prettily variegated with slaty black, the crescentic bars on the upper tail-coverts being 
very conspicuous. 

In Mr. J. C. Firth s interesting collection of New-Zealand birds (at Mount Eden) there is another 
beautiful specimen : Cheeks, throat, and fore neek chestnut-brown ; the upper surface generally very 
prettily barred and spotted, the transverse markings on the tail-coverts being especially conspicuous. 

Note, Dr. Finsch has suggested that the bird which visits New Zealand may be Tringa crassirostris y Temm. and 
Schleg. (Faun. Jap. pi. 64), the larger eastern representative of canutus ; but I have not been able to discover 
any specific characters to distinguish it from the common form. 


This cosmopolitan species is occasionally obtained in New Zealand, but generally in its winter 
plumage. There are several specimens in the Canterbury and Otago Museums, all of them obtained 
on the east coast. 

Mr. Cheeseman wrote to me from Auckland, on August 14, 1877 “ My brother shot a speci- 

men of Tnnga canutus (in winter plumage) in Hobson Bay a few months ago, and the skin is now in 
the Museum. I believe that I have frequently seen it on the extensive mud flats near the mouth of 
the Thames river. I have likewise seen it, in flocks of probably two hundred, on the Manukau flats, 
where it appears soon after Christmas and remains about three months.” This is the first authentic 
record of this species in the North Island ; but Captain Mair has described to me a bird found 
associating, in considerable numbers, with the Godwit on the East Coast, which I have no doubt 
is the same. It has not, however, been met with yet on the Wellington coasts ; and the only specimen 
in the Colonial Museum is one which I received some years ago, as a novelty, from the South Island. 
It is called Huahou by the Maoris, from the circumstance that its fat-season corresponds with the 
forming of the hue gourd— about February or March. 

Mr. Gould states that a specimen collected by Strange on the 2nd September had the under 
surface much suffused with red, with many new black feathers among the grey ones on the hack 
showing that the bird was changing into its summer livery at the commencement of the Australian 
spring. 


Ordeb LIMICOL^.J 


[Fam. SCOLOPACID^. 


TEINGA ACUMINATA. 

(SANDPIPER.) 


Totanus acuminatus, Horsf. Linn. Trans, xiii. p. 192 (1820). 

Tringa australis, Jard. & Selb. 111. Orn. vol. ii. pi. 91 (1829). 

Schceniclus australis. Gray, List of Birds in Brit. Mus. Coll, part iii. p. 105 (1844). 
Limnocinclus acuminatus, Gould, Handb. B. of Austr. vol. ii. p. 254 (1865). 
Tringa acuminata, Salvin, Cat. Strickl. Coll. p. 610 (1882). 


■Ad. supr^ nigricans, plumis anguste albido vel arenario marginatis : collo postico magis cinerascente : dorso postico 
et uropygio cum supracaudalibus nigris, vix arenario limbatis : tectricibus alarum remigibusque nigrican- 
tibus, albido vel pallidb arenario marginatis, tectricibus majoribus et secundariis conspicue albo marginatis et 
terminatis : remigum scapis albis : secundariis intimis latb arenario-rufo marginatis : rectricibus cinerascenti- 
brunneis, albido limbatis et terminatis, subterminaliter nigricantibus, a scapis albidis : pileo rufo, nigro vario : 
loris, supercilio et facie laterali albis, angustissime nigro punctatum lineatis : gul^ et corpore reliquo subtus 
albis, prsepectore et pectore superiore arenario-fulvis illo anguste nigro lineato : pectoris summi lateribus 
quoque nigricante striolatis : subalaribus albis, imis cinerascentibus albo interne marginatis et terminatis. 

Adult. Crown of tbe head and lores dull rufous ; each feather centred with brown ; nape, hind neck, and the 
whole of the mantle brownish grey slightly tinged with rufous, each feather largely centred with dark browm, 
which gradually fades into grey ; lower part of back, rump, and upper tail-coverts blackish brown, slightly 
margined with rufous j wing-feathers dark brown with white shafts, the superior coverts largely tipped, and 
the secondaries narrowly margined with white j small wing-coverts dull brown with greyish margins ; tail- 
feathers hlackish brown, with a narrow margin of fulvous white j line over the eye, chin, and throat white ; 
sides of the head dark grey, speckled with brown ; the whole of the fore neck fulvous grey, speckled with 
brown, and more distinctly on the outer sides j breast, abdomen, and under tail-coverts fulvous white, the 
latter with a streak of brown down the shafts ; sides of the body, axillary plumes, and inner lining of wings 
pure white ; towards the outer edges of the wing mottled with brown. The outermost upper tail-coverts 
also are white, with a lanceolate streak of brown down the eentre. Irides black ; bill brown, changing to 
olive at the base; legs and feet yellowish olive. Length 7 inches; wing, from flexure, 5T5 ; tail 2T5; 
bill, along the ridge '95, along the edge of lower mandible 1'05 ; bare tibia '5; tarsus I'l; middle toe 
and claw 1'2; hallux and claw ‘3. 

Young. Gould states that the young of the year are similarly marked to the adult in winter plumage, but have 
the greater portion of the feathers, and particularly those of the crown and the tertiaries, margined with 
sandy red and white, and the breast washed with buff. 


Only a few examples of this bird, which is common enough in Australia and Tasmania, have occurred 
in New Zealand, and, so far as I am aware, all of these on the east coast of the South Island. 

In its native country it is generally to be met with on the grassy sides of lagoons and in wet 
marshy places, where it may be seen diligently hunting for aquatic insects and their larvae, on which 
kind of food it principally subsists. 

The Canterbury Museum contains four specimens (two of each sex), obtained on the shores of 
Lake Ellesmere, which is separated from the sea only by a narrow neck of sandy ground. 


Ordee LIMICOL^.] 


[Pam. SCOLOPACID^. 


TOTANUS INCANUS. 

(GREY SANDPIPER.) 


Ash-coloured Snipe, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. p. 154 (1785). 

Scolopax incanus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 658 (1788). 

Totanus incanus, Vieill. Nouv. Diet, d’llist. Nat. tom. iv. p. 400 (1816). 

Totanus Irevipes (summer plumage), id. ibid. p. 410. 

Scolopax solitarius, Bloxh. Byr. Voy. p. 252 (1826). 

Trynga glareola, Pall. Zoogr. Ross.-As. vol. ii. p. 194 (1831). 

Totanus pedestris. Less. Tr. d’Orn. p. 552 (1831). 

Totanus fuliginosus, Gould, Voy. Beagle, ‘ Birds,’ p. 130 (1841). 

Totanus pulmrulentus, S. Miill. Verhandel. Land- en Volkenk. p. 152 (1842). 

Scolopax undulata, Forst. Descr. An. p. 173 (1844). 

Scolopax pacifica (winter plumage), id. ibid. p. 174. 

Totanus oeeanicus, Less. Descr. Mamm. et Ois, p. 244 (1847). 

Totanus griseopygius, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1848, p. 39, and Birds of Austr. vol. vi. pi 38 (1848) 
Totanus poly nesice, Peale, Un. St. Expl. Exp. p. 237, pi. 65. fig. 1 (1848). 

Actitis Irevipes, Blyth, Cat. B. Mus. As. Soc. p. 267 (1849). 

Ileteroscelus hrevipes, Baird, B. N. Amer. p. 734 (1858). 

Garnhetta pulverulentus, Gould, Handb. Birds of Austr. ii. p. 268 (1865). 


Ad. [exempl. ex N. Z.) suprii schistaceus, alis dorso concoloribus majoribus anguste albo terminatis : ala spuria, 
tectricibus primariorum et primariis nigricantibus : caud4 dorso concolore : pileo scbistaceo : loris fusces- 
centi-scbistaceis, fasciH supr^ lorali albida : facie lateral! albid^, anguste fusco striolatS, : gul4 alba : corpore 
reliquo subtiis albido, gutture et prsepectore fuscescentibus ; pectore et abdominis lateralibus fusco fasciatis, 
hypoebondriis et axillaribus et subalaribus sehistaceis, his extus albido fasciatis : subcaudalibus albis, extimis 
fusco fasciatis ; remigibus subtus sehistaceis, intus pallidioribus. 


Male {N.-Z. example). Upper surface dark slaty grey, tinged with brown on the wing-coverts and scapulars j 
sides of the head also dark slaty grey, with a broad stripe of white extending from the base of the upper 
mandible to the anterior edge of the eyes, and the cheeks more or less varied with white ; chin and upper 
part of throat pure white ; fore neck, breast, abdomen, and vent pale cinereous and white intermixed, changing 
to pure white on the flanks and crissum, the feathers of the breast and flanks, as well as the long under tail- 
coverts, grossed by broad wavy lines of slaty greyj under surface of wings, axillary plumes, and sides of the 
y ai slaty grey, varied with white near the outer edges of the wing ; primaries brownish black with 
paler shafts; secondaries and the whole of the tail-feathers dark slaty brown. Bill browmish black • le-s 
and feet dark olive; claws black. Total length 12-25 inches; wing from flexure 7-25 ; tail 3; bill alone 
the ridge 1-6, along the edge of lower mandible I'S ; bare tibia -5 ; tarsus US ; middle toe and claw Vs. 


Female {N.-Z. example). Differs from the male in having a stronger tinge of brown on the upper surface • the 
white frontal streak is narrower; the fore neck is uniform pale slaty grey; the underparts are lighter' and 
there is an almost entire absence of the dark wavy markings on the plumage of the breast and sides of the 

body, a few feathers, however, on each side of the abdomen and the long under tail-coverts being traversed 
by arrow-head markings of dull slaty grey. ° 


39 


Obs. There is no perceptible difference in size between the two sexes. Gould’s two very characteristic figures of 
this Sandpiper, in the ' Birds of Australia/ pi. 38, represent very well my two specimens as described above. 

The only two examples of this nomadic species hitherto obtained in New Zealand are those from 
which the above descriptions of the male and female were taken. They are in the Author’s collection, 
having been kindly presented by Mr. C. H. Eobson, who obtained them on Portland Island in the 
autumn of 1883. 

The late Dr. Jerdon recorded (‘Ibis,’ 1865, p. 40) that he had received specimens of this bird 
from North Australia, Timor, Borneo, Ceram, Japan, and both sides of the North Pacific. 

Latham’s original description of this species (the bibliography of which is very exhaustively given 
by Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub in their ‘ Birds of Central Polynesia ’) was taken from specimens in the 
collection of Sir Joseph Banks, from Eimeo and Palmerston Isles. 

Mr. Gould writes of it : — “All the specimens I have seen of the bird were killed near the harbour 
of Port Essington, where it frequents the sandy beaches and rocks just above high-water mark ; the 
salt-water lakes and swamps near the settlement also afford it a natural asylum, and there, at some 
seasons of the year, it may be seen in great flocks in company with the Stints and Plovers.” 

Although the two specimens described above, and now in the Author’s collection, are absolutely 
the only examples hitherto recorded in New Zealand, it does not by any means follow that this species 
is not a frequent visitant. On the extensive sand-banks and mud-flats at the mouths of the tidal 
rivers, as well as upon the long stretches of ocean-beach in the less frequented parts of the country, 
thousands of sea-birds congregate at certain seasons of the year, or scatter themselves over the oozy 
flats in search of their natural food ; and it is highly probable that large numbers of this and other 
hitherto rare species come to our shores and leave again rvithout ever being detected. 

For many years the Wry-billed Plover was considered one of our rarest birds ; but now that the 
collector knows where to look for this form, and to distinguish it from the Banded Dottrel which 
frequents the same localities, it is found to be common enough. So also with Tringa canutus and 
Tringa acuminata, both of which, although only of late years included in our list of recognized species, 
are now known to visit us every season in appreciable numbers. 

There is at present only one recorded instance of the occurrence on our shores of the Eed-capped 
Dottrel ; but at a little distance it is impossible to distinguish such a bird from the other small 
Waders among which it habitually consorts ; and it is only reasonable to suppose that what has been 
known to happen once may, in point of fact, have happened very often. 

It must be borne in mind also that a great portion of the w^est coast of the South Island is quite 
unexplored, being out of the track of our commerce, and it is to this side of our coast-line that we 
should naturally look for seasonal visitants from Australia. 

The most recent of these casual additions to our avifauna is the capture of the Masked Plover 
{LoUvanellus lobatus) near Wanganui, as already mentioned at page 13, a very beantiful addition to 
our list ; and doubtless from time to time other Australian Waders will join the ranks, if not as 
permanent recruits, nevertheless welcome enough as tending to enhance the value of our bird-collec- 
tions and to keep alive the interest among our numerous local observers. 

Mr. Kirk was in error in referring the last-mentioned bird to Lohivanellus personatus {This, 1888, 
P- 46). As already pointed out by me {op. cit. p. 283), the colours and markings of the two species are 
’'’ery similar, but the character of the mask is entirely different in the tw'o birds. Mr. Drew, in whose 
little museum at Wanganui the specimen is preserved, had sent me a sketch of the head, which 
placed its determination as L. lobatus beyond question. In the description which accompanied it, he 
mentions that the “crown, nape, hind neck, and ear-coverts are jet-black,” and the back “reddish 
grey.” 


Oedee LIMICOL^.] 


[Fam. SCOLOPACID^. 


LIMOSA NOVJ: ZEALANDIiE. 

(THE SOUTHEKN GODWIT.) 


Limosa haueri, Naum. Vog. Deutschl. viii. p. 429 (1836). 

Limosa lap]}onica, var. novce zealandice. Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 13 (1844). 
Limosa hrevipes. Gray, Cat. Grallae Brit. Mus. p. 95 (1844). 

Limosa australasiana, id. op. cit. p. 96 (1844). 

Limosa novce-zealandice. Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 570 (1847). 

Limosa uropygialis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1848, p. 38. 

Limosa foxii, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 231, pi. 65 (1848). 

Limosa riifa, Temm. & Schl. Faun. Japon. p. 114 (1850). 

Gallinago punctata, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7470. 

Limosa laueri, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 198 (1873). 

Native names. Kuaka, and Hakakao (Bay of Plenty). 

Ad. phi. Mem. suprjl brunnescens, pileo summo unicolore : colli plumis vix medialiter saturatioribus ; dorsi plumis 
conspicue medialiter saturatius brunneis, scapis nigricantibus, scapularibus cinereo lavatis : uropygio et 
supracaudalibus albis, fasciis brunneis conspicuis transnotatis : tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus extus 
fulvescente angustb marginatis, medianis et majoribus nigricante medialiter lineatis: primariis saturate 
brunneis, intus pallidioribus, scapis albis, secundariis cum tectricibus cubitalibus grisescenti-brunneis, 
albo terminals : cauda bruniiei, rectricibus centralibus ciuerascentibus conspicue albo terminatis : loris 
et genis albicantibus : corpore subttis sordide albo, collo inferiore et pectore summo ciuerascentibus, hypo- 
chondriis vix brunneo fasciatis : subalaribus et axillaribus albis brunneo transfasciatis : rostro brunneo, 
mandibula ad basin rufescente : pedibus saturate plumbeis : iride nigra. 

Adult in winter. Crown, sides of the head, neck all round, and the entire upper surface dull stone-grey, 
obscurely mottled with brown, and darker on the back and mantle, where eaeh feather has a broad central 
mark of blackish brown ; quills dark clove-brown, with w'hite shafts and freckled with white on their inner 
webs ; the secondaries and their coverts tipped with white ; tail-feathers blackish brown terminally edged 
with white, and with broken bars of the same on the inner web and towards the base j rump and upper tail- 
coverts white, conspicuously barred with blackish brown ; a broad streak from the base of the upper mandible 
to the eyebrows, the chin, and fore part of throat pure white j fore neck and breast pale cinnamon-brown, 
obscurely mottled j abdomen and under tail-coverts fulvous white, the sides of the body shaded with stone- 
grey, and many of the feathers, particularly on the flanks, more or less crossed with arrow-head markings of 
dark brown j lining of wings and axillary plumes white, the former with horse-shoe markings, and the latter 
with broad transverse bars of cinnamon-brown. 

Young. Crown of the head and sides of the face dusky brown, mottled with yellowish brown ; throat, and a 
streak from the base of the upper mandible extending beyond the eyes, white; neck, all round 
brownish grey, spotted with dark brown on the nape ; upper part of the back rusty brown, with darker 
centre spots, and mottled with white ; the scapulars light rust-brown, with a series of white triangular spots 
on each web j lower part of back greyish white varied with brown ; rump and upper tail-coverts white 
conspicuously barred with brown, these bars assuming on the outer feathers the form of arrow-heads • breast 
and sides of the body creamy white, sometimes stained with grey ; abdomen and under tail-coverts pure white 
some of the latter with irregular dusky bars j lining of wings prettily varied with brownish black ; axillary 


41 


plumes whitCj conspicuously barred with brown in tlieir whole extent ; primaries clove-brown on their upper 
surface, darker on their outer webs and towards the tips, light grey on their under surface, with dusky 
freckles ; secondaries marked like the scapulars, but with the spots on the inner webs inclining to fulvous ; 
the wing-coverts clove-brown, more or less tipped with white ; tail-feathers brown, barred towards the 
base, and the middle ones largely tipped with white. Irides black ; bill light brown, tinged with purple in 
its basal half, hlack beyond; tarsi and toes deep bluish grey; claw^s black. Length 18 inches; extent of 
wings 31 ; wing, from flexure, 9'75 ; tail 3’5 ; bill, along the ridge, 4; bare tibia 1 ; tarsus 3'2 ; middle toe 
and claw I'o ; hind toe and claw ‘5. 

Ods. Before the autumn livery is cast off the plumage of the upper surface becomes much worn and has a faded 
appearance, this being due to abrasion, the white notched markings being often worn completely out, giving 
the edge of the feather a serrated outline. 

Summer plumage. In every considerable flock there are individuals known as “ red kuakas.” These have the 
plumage of the upper surface darker and largely varied with rufous instead of wdiite, the sides of the head, 
throat, fore neck, breast, upper part of abdomen, sides of the body, and flanks bright rufous. This is a phase 
of the summer dress only. It should be mentioned that although, strictly speaking, only a seasonal visitant, 
a few stragglers remain with us all through the year, and that specimens are sometimes met with in a tran- 
sitional state of plumage. 

A specimen in Mr. Seebohm^s collection, in full breeding-plumage (obtained at Shanghai in May 1873), 
has the frontal streak, sides of the face, throat, the whole of the fore neck, and the entire under surface 
uniform bright rufous, pointed with black on the sides of the chest, uarrowdy margined with white on the 
flanks, and varied with black and white on the under tail-coverts ; the plumage of the upper surface is 
similar to that of the young as described above, except that the lighter parts are washed with rufous, which 
colour becomes predominant on the nape and upper tail-coverts ; the lining of the wings and the axillary 
plumes are exactly as in the young bird. M^e may take it therefore that this is the first nuptial plumage. 

A specimen in full summer plumage was obtained at Saltw'ater Creek, in the provincial district of 
Canterbury, at the end of summer or beginning of autumn. 

Albino. The following is the description of an albino shot hy myself at Ohau, on the west coast of the M'^elling- 
ton Province, in the spring of 1863 ; — The whole of the plumage white, tinged with brown on the head, back, 
and upper surface of wings ; tertiaries and the primary-coverts partially brown ; lining of wings, axillary 
plumes, and upper tail-coverts barred with pale browm ; bill whitish ; legs black. 

Ohs. In this species the length of the bill is very variable. A series of five examples, in a fine collection of birds 
made by Mr. W. T. L. Travers in the South Island, presents the following gradations in the bill : — 3 inches, 
3‘5, 4T, 4'4, and 4'5. The tarsi are of equal length in all five specimens, and there is scarcely any per- 
ceptible difference in the length of the wing. Nos. 1 and 3 are in partial summer dress, the former having 
scattered clouded spots of rufous on the underparts, the latter having the whole of the under surface stained 
more or less with rufous, especially the fore neck, breast, and sides of the body, where this colour pre- 
dominates. The rest are in full winter plumage. 

A specimen shown to me by Mr. Jewel, the local taxidermist at Christchurch, exhibited a still greater 
extension of bill than any of those mentioned above, the length from the base to the tip of the upper 
mandible being 5T inches. 


Drs. Finsch and Habtlaub, in their excellent work on the birds of Central Polynesia, have correctly 
referred our bird to the species described by Mr. Gould under the name of Limosa ur'opygialis ; but, 
as will be seen on reference to the historical synonymy given above, this name has no claim whatever 
to recognition. There are no less than five recorded names of antecedent date ; and, in settling 
questions of nomenclature, I shall, as far as possible, adhere to the established rule of adopting in 
every case the oldest admissible title. In my former edition 1 adopted for this species that of Limosa 
haueri', but as this name, bestowed by Natterer, was only on a Museum label without any published 
VOL. II. Cf 


42 


description, I have now thought it best to discard it altogether in favour of L. novm zealandice. 
Gray, 

I have already, in the Introduction to Vol. I. (p. xl), referred to the extraordinary migration which 
this bird performs every year, spending several months in Siberia, where it breeds, and another portion 
of the year in the Malay Archipelago, Polynesia, Australia, and New Zealand, passing the coasts of 
Japan, Mantchooria, and China in the course of its weary pilgrimage. 

Von Middendorff', who met with these birds in great numbers in Northern Siberia (74°-75° N. 
lat.), states that they appeared there on the 3rd June, and left again in the beginning of August. In 
the months of September and April Swinhoe observed migratory flocks on the coast of Formosa, and 
during the winter months he met with this species still further south. Von Middendorff found it 
also in summer on the south coast of the Sea of Ochotsk, although it did not appear to breed there. 
It has likewise been observed in China, Japan, Java, Celebes, Timor, Norfolk Island, Solomon Islands, 
and the New Hebrides, and its range doubtless extends much further ; but it has never yet been met 
with in India, this being probably too far west of its annual course. It is met with on Prybilov 
Islands, coming in a straggling manner early in May, passing northward with little delay, and reap- 
pearing again towards the end of August in flocks of a dozen or fifty *. 

The habits of this species are in no respect different from those of its European ally. As already 
stated, it is migratory ; and towards the end of March or beginning of April large flocks may be seen 
at the far north taking their departure from our country. The departure from any fixed locality 
usually begins on almost the exact date year after year; and for a week or ten days after the 
migration has commenced fresh parties are constantly on the wing, the flight generally taking place 
about sunset, and sometimes after dark. The main body fly in silence, but the straggling birds cry 
out at intervals, while endeavouring to overtake the flock in advance. Near the North Cape, Captain 
Mair has observed them flying northward in tens of thousands, and always in considerable flocks, 
numbering from 700 to 1200 birds in each, and the wonder is where they all come from. During 
the period mentioned, this excitement of departure is unabated — flocks forming and following each 
other in perpetual succession. 

The seasonal migrations of this species over a third of the globe’s circumference in search of a 
congenial climate, and then back again to its distant home for breeding purposes, are astonishing 
facts in natural history, and to those who have not studied the subject might well appear incredible. 
But it is this romance of real life that so often forces upon the naturalist the conclusion that “ fact is 
stranger far than fiction ” f . 

Though the greater number of the birds migrate, some remain with us during the winter, and 
it IS not unusual, even in mid-winter, to see a flock of several hundred consorting together on the 
sand-banks. It has been remarked that at this season they are much tamer and more approachable 
than at other times. A pair continued to frequent Sulphur Point at Ohinemutu for two or three 
years ; but they were ultimately shot at the request of the resident natives, who looked upon their 
constant appearance as an “ aitua,” or omen of some impending evil. 

On their return to this country they do not make a sudden appearance, but come in straggling 
parties during the month of October, and gradually become more plentiful after the first week iu 
November, and about Christmas they are in full force again all along our sea-shore. 

Some of the flocks on their arrival are very tame and approachable. Captain Fairchild found 
them particularly so at Kawhia, a somewhat unfrequented place on the east coast. He advanced to 

* Pauna Centralpolynesiens (1867), p. 181. 

t The late Mr. Henry Mair shot some of these birds on Suwaro, Manihiki, and Savage Islands. They seemed exhausted 
and unable to fly any distance. Those were probably birds that were unable to keep up with the migrating flocks and were 
consequently left on these islands en route. 


43 


within twenty feet of them, and upon throwing an iron nail in amongst them, instead of being alarmed 
they crowded up to examine it. 

Capt. Mail’ has sometimes observed a party of stragglers in Sulphur Bay, in the Botorua Lake 
(about forty miles from the sea-coast), no doubt brought inland by the easterly gales, which sometimes 
prevail for a considerable time without intermission. On the Tauranga coast he has obtained large 
“ bags ” during the shooting-season ; and on one occasion, at Cemetery Point, killed ninety-seven at a 
single shot with a heavy charge of No. 5 from an ordinary fowling-piece. This will give some idea 
of their numbers, and of the close manner in which they were packed together. Thousands were 
crowding upon each other on an insular sand-bank, and numbers more were hovering overhead in the 
vain attempt to find a footing among their fellows. As he was “ shooting for the pot,” he concealed 
himself with floating kelp, and crawled up under water till the birds were within easy range. 

As may be supposed from the character of the bill, their manner of feeding is peculiar. Some- 
times the birds may be seen thrusting their long pliant bills deep into the mud or sand, working 
them to the very hilt, and sometimes burying the fore part of the head in the soft ooze ; at another 
time they may be seen taking three or four hurried steps forward, and then halting for a moment to 
pick up some small object from the surface ; but generally speaking they walk along with much 
deliberation, picking as they go. It may be inferred from this that their food consists of aquatic 
insects, marine worms, small mollusks, and crustaceans. The objects, however, which they select must 
be very minute, for on opening their stomachs it is usual to find only a mass of comminuted matter 
having the appearance of mud or slime. 

The natives catch large numbers of them by spreading flax snares horizontally on manuka sticks 
twelve or fifteen feet high, and arranged in the following manner : — A number of stakes are driven 
into the ground at equal distances so as to cover the area of the customary resting-place. A perfect 
network of flax loops or running nooses, about twelve or fifteen inches in diameter’, are then spread 
or hung in such a way as to form a canopy or roof supported by the stakes. The birds on assembling 
in the evening fly low and take up their position on the resting-ground to wait for the ebb of the tide. 
At this conjuncture the natives spring out from their concealment with lighted torches. The birds 
at once rise vertically, in confusion and alarm, and large numbers become entangled and caught in 
the running loops, sometimes as many as 200 being captured at one time in snares covering a space of 
twenty by forty yards. These snares are only set on calm and dark nights, for the obvious reasons 
that, if there was any wind, the loops would become disarranged, and that on moonlight nights the 
birds would see the nets and avoid them. Sometimes during wet easterly weather in summer the 
feathers of these birds become so saturated that they are unable to fly. The natives take advantage 
of this and capture large numbers of them by running them down. 

From what has been said, it may be inferred that they are esteemed good eating by both settlers 
and Maoris. The latter always cook the bird unopened, and devour the contents of the stomach with 
a relish. When very fat they are potted in the orthodox fashion and “ calabashed ” for future use. 

In some localities these birds afford tolerably good shooting, although they are not much 
esteemed for eating. When spread over the sands or bare mud-flats in search of food they are some- 
what shy and wary ; but when the tide is high they consort together in large flocks near the water’s 
edge, and may then be approached under cover and killed by scores, a pot shot into their close ranks, 
and another as the flock rises confusedly in the air, generally proving very destructive. “ Curlew- 
shooting ” (as it is termed in the colony) sometimes, however, becomes more legitimate sport, as 
may be gathered from the following passage in a letter to ‘ The Field,’ from a New-Zealand 
correspondent : — “ Curlew-shooting has just begun ; I had a day last week (early in March). The 
best locality for this kind of shooting is the upper part of Auckland harbour, where the river Waite- 
mata and the harbour of the Manukau are within a short distance of one another. The Manukau 

G 2 


44 


being on the west coast and Auckland on the east coast, the tide is, of course, rising in one harbour 
when it is falling in the other. The Curlew feed on the mud-flats after the ebbing tide, and the best 
plan is to choose the time when the flight commences from one coast to the other. This is at the 
moment of low water at either side. At that time the shooter takes up his station behind a fence 
and watches for the flight of Curlew. If the day be stormy, so much the better ; for then the birds 
hy low. If the shooter has taken up a good post, he will have a full hour’s good fast shooting ; and 
this will be the case at each turn of the tide. Last week was my first day this year, and in 
twelve shots I got nine and a half brace of Curlew. This was not very good sport ; but the birds 
hew rather high and were not as closely packed as usual.” 

It is a common thing to see birds with a single leg, or with a broken or truncated bill. Captain 
Mair saw one with both legs shot away. It kept with the flock, supporting itself on the stumps of 
the tarsi when walking, and crouching on the ground when at rest, but mainly using its wings for 
purposes of locomotion. The maimed and injured birds, of which each flock contains many towards 
the close of the shooting-season, habitually keep apart from the main flock, confining themselves to 
the high beach, and are known to sportsmen as the “ sick brigade.” 

At Katikati on the east coast, when their ordinary resting-places on the mud-flats are submerged 
by the high spring tides, these birds take refuge on the tops of the low spreading mangrove bushes ; 
and thousands together may sometimes be seen in this position. 

While resting on sand-banks at high tide, they always stand in the water so as to conceal the 
unfeathered tibia, and sportsmen say that they do this in order to keep themselves cool. 

Great individual variation is observable, especially in the length of the bill and legs. There is 
also much difference in the plumage. The largest birds (probably aged ones) are generally much 
lighter than the rest of the flock, and are distinguished by the Maoris as the “ kuaka-karoro.” In 
the autumn generally about the proportion of one third of the birds in every flock present the rufous- 
brown colouring on the underparts, which is more or less conspicuous, and sometimes extends over 
the entire plumage. These birds are called by the Maoris “ pohokura,” in allusion to their bright 
colour, and both these and the “ kuaka-karoro ” are said to be always the fattest in the flock. 

I have never met with a Maori who could tell me anything about the breeding-habits of this 
Godwit, and it has become a proverb amongst them : “ Who has seen the nest of the Kuaka V’ 

For many years the egg of this bird was equally unknown in other parts of the hemisphere; 
but on the I8th January, 1868, Mr. Dali obtained two specimens at Kutlik, Alaska. “ These differ,” 
Mr. Hartiug states, in the ‘Fauna of the Prybilov Islands ’ (p. 27), “as much from each other as eggs 
of this species do from those of other species. The ground-colour of one is greenish olive-grey, of the 
other pale olive-grey. In the former the markings are all subdued neutral tints apparently in the 
shell ; in the latter the markings are nearly all on the surface and quite bright chocolate-brown. 
In both cases the markings are numerous and of indeterminate shape, mostly small and generally 
distributed, though tending to aggregate at the larger end, where alone they lose their distinctness in 
coalescing to form a splashed area.” 

As already mentioned in the Introduction, this species breeds in the high latitudes of Eastern 
Asia ; but a few stragglers appear to remain with us all the year round. I have in my possession an 
egg obtained on the Island of Kapiti (Cook’s Strait) which I am unable to refer to any other bird ; 
it is of a regular ovoido-conical form, measuring 1-95 inches in length by 1‘45 in breadth, and the 
colour is a dull stone-brown, with numerous obscure markings, as if under the shell, over the entire 
surface, which is finely granulate, but changing to pale brown, with a polished surface, at the 
smaller end. 


Okdek LIMICOL^.] 


[Fam. SCOLOPACIDiE. 


NUMENIUS CTANOPUS. 

(AUSTEALIAN CUELEW.) 


liumenius cyanopus, Vieill. 2nd edit, du Nouv. Diet. d’Hist. Nat. vol. viii. p. 306 (1817). 
Numenius major, Schl. (nec Steph.) Fauna Japonica, (see footnote) p. 110 (1850). 
Numenius australis et N. rufescens, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1862, p. 286. 

Numenius tahitiensis, Swinh. (nec Gmel.), Ibis, 1863, p. 445. 


Ad. supra brunnescens : pileo summo uuchaque nigro-fuscis, plumis fulvo marginatis : dorsi plumis conspicue 
medialiter saturatibs brunneis : tectricibus alarum minoribus dorso concoloribus, extus ciuereo anguste 
marginatis : scapularibus cinereo obscure transfasciatis : remigibus saturate brunneis, scapis albidis, 
primariis interioribus cum secundariis irregulariter albo fasciatis : tectricibus majoribus conspicue albo 
notatis : secundariis intimis fulvescenti-cinereo transfasciatis : uropygio et supracaudalibus nigricanti- 
brunneis, plumis Ijete rufescenti-brunneo marginaliter fasciatis : cauda nigricanti-brunnea saturate cinereo 
conspicue transfasciatfi, : gutture albido : facie laterali et corpore subtus pallide fulvescenti-albis, collo 
undique ct pectore summo cinerascentibus, plumis lineS, centrali nigrescenti-fusci notatis : subalaribus et 
axillaribus albis brunneo conspicue transfasciatis : rostro brunneo, mandibuE ad basin flavescente ; pedibus 
olivaceis. 

Adult. General upper surface dark cinereous brown, the feathers of tlie head and hind neck centred with 
blackish brown, which colour spreads and darkens on the baek and mantle ; upper surface of wings more or 
less varied with greyish white, all the feathers having light spots or margins ; the first four primaries elove- 
brown with Avhitc shafts, and freckled with grey on their inner webs, the rest of them darker brown with 
broad interrupted transverse bars of white ; the outer secondaries and their large coverts similarly marked 
but not so distinctly ; the long inner secondaries blackish brown, both webs marked with numerous regular 
bars of obscure cinereous brown changing to white on the margin j tail-feathers blackish brown with darker 
shafts and transversely barred in a similar manner ; so also are the scapulars, but in a less decided way ; 
rump and upper tail-coverts blackish brown, with broad interrupted bars of bright rufous brown ; chin and 
throat white ; sides of the head and fore neck, and the entire under surface, fulvous white, tinged with rufous, 
all the feathers except those on the abdomen and thighs having a narrow central streak of brown, which 
widens perceptibly on both sides of the chest ■ under tail-covcrts washed with rufous and obscurely barred 
with brown ; lining of wings and axillaiy plumes white, the former varied and the latter conspicuously 
barred with blackish brown ; the feathers of the flanks more or less crossed with arrowhead markings of the 
same. Irides black ; bill dark brown, changing to yellowish towards the base of the lower mandible ; legs 
and feet dark olivaceous ; claws black. Total length 29 inches; wing, from flexure, 11-75 ; bill, along the 
ridge 8, along the edge of lower mandible 8*1 ; tarsus 3'o ; middle toe and claw 2 2. 

Female. Similar in plumage to the male, but of somewhat larger dimensions, and with a much longer bill. A 
specimen in Mr. Seebohm's collection from Victoria gives an extreme measurement of 8 inches. I have not 
yet met with an example of this sex in New Zealand. 

Obs. The bird from which the above measurements were taken was shot in the early part of April by Mr. Eobert 
Day on the Kaiapoi river-bar, north of Christchurch, and proved on dissection to be a male. Another of 
the same sex, which was obtained about three months later at the mouth of the Ashley river, gives the 
following smaller measurements: — Total length 25 inches; wing, from flexure, 12; bill 6; tarsus S'l. 

Note. Gould’s Numenius rufescens {1. c.) is undoubtedly this species in summer plumage. He thus describes 


46 


it : — “ Headj neck, upper and under surface reddish fawn-colour, deepest and most conspicuous on the rump 
and tail-feathers j down the centre of each of the feathers is a streak of blackish brown, broadest and most 
conspicuous on the back, rump, and upper tail-coverts ; primaries blackish brown, strongly toothed on their 
inner margins with greyish white ; tail-feathers irregularly crossed with blackish hrown ; thighs light buff/’ 


This fine Curlew, which is common on many parts of the Australian coast, occurs in New Zealand 
only as an occasional straggler. 

A specimen was shot by Mr. Travers at the Wairau, in the provincial district of Nelson, in the 
summer of 1874-5, and was presented by him to the Colonial Museum. Another occurrence of the 
species in New Zealand was recorded by myself, on the authority of Sir James Hector, in the 
‘ Transactions of the New-Zealand Institute ’ (vol. vii. p. 224) ; and a year later Sir Julius Haast 
reported the two specimens mentioned above as having been received in the fiesh at the Canterbury 
Museum *. 

Mr. St. C. Liardet, who is an experienced collector, informs me that he saw a fiock of five (in 
March or April) near the bluff which stands between the Wairau and Awatere river-mouths. He shot 
one at Iron Bay, near the Wellington heads, about the end of February; this was in adult plumage 
and proved on dissection to be a female ; bill, along the ridge 8 inches, along the edge of lower 
mandible 6*5. 

From its habit of associating on the sands with the flocks of Godwits it is probable that this 
species visits our shores more often than is generally supposed and escapes detection in the crowd. 

Mr. Gould found this Curlew very plentiful on the shores of Tasmania, but he was never able 
to discover its breeding-place ; and he expressed his belief that it retires to the high lands of the 
interior for the purpose of reproduction. 

Mr. Seebohm writes f : — “ There are only two Curlews in which the rump scarcely differs in 
colour from the rest of the upper parts, instead of being pure white with or without streaks, in either 
case in strong contrast to the darker mantle. The Australian Curlew is one of these, and differs from 
the other (W longirostris) in having the underparts, including the axillaries, nearly white, streaked 
and barred with brown. Both species are large, with tarsi more than three inches long. Like its 
ally in the New World, it is a migratory bird, but the migrations of the Curlews on the Asiatic shores 
of the Pacific are on a very different scale to those of their cousins on the American shores of that 
ocean. The Australian Curlew breeds somewhere in Eastern Siberia, since it occurs on migration 
from Lake Baikal to the mouth of the Amoor, and along the coasts of Japan and China. It crosses 
the line to winter in Australia, and has also been recorded from Tasmania, New Guinea, Borneo, and 
some of the smaller islands of the Malay Archipelago.” 

Dr. Eamsay says that in Australia it is “ common everywhere in suitable places, and on muddy 
flats along the coast, and occasionally may be found on the margins of lakes and lagoons inland a 
considerable distance.” 


* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. ix. pp. 427-429. 
t ‘ Geogr. Distrib. of the Fam. CharadriidEe,’ p. 326. 


Oebes GAVIJE.] 


[Fam. LAEID^. 


LAEUS DOMINICANUS. 

(SOUTHEEN BLACK-BACKED GULL.) 


Larus dominicanus, Licht. Verz. Doubl. p. 82 (1823). 

Lams littoreus, Forster, Descr. Anim. p. 46 (1844). 

Larus antipodus, Gray, Cat. Anseres, Brit. Mus. p. 169 (1844). 
Dominicanus antipodus, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, p. 100. 
Clupeilartis antipodum, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 770 (1856). 

Larus vociferus, Burm. Syst. Uebers. Th. Bras. p. 448 (1856). 
Dominicanus azarw, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 214 (1857). 
Lestris antarcticus, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7472. 

Lestris fuscus, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7472. 

Ljarus antipodum. Gray, Ibis, 1 862, p. 248. 

Larus pad ficus, Layard, Ibis, 1863, p. 245. 

Larus azarm, Pelz. Eeise Nov. p. 151 (1865). 


Native names. 

Karoro ; the young bird distinguished as Ngoiro, Koiro, and Punua. 

Ad. capite toto cum collo undique et corpore subtus toto albis : interscapulio, scapularibus cum dorso summo et 
tectricibus alarum ciuereo-nigricantibus : remigibus nigris, late albo terminatis, secundariis latissime, primario 
prime fascia subterminali alba uotato : dorso postico, uropygio, supracaudalibus et cauda tota pure albis : 
subalaribus cum asillaribus et secundariis intus albis : rostro citrino, mandibuM maculft prseapicali sanguined 
notata : pedibus viridi-flavicantibus vix grisescentibus : iride argenteo-alba. 

Juv. suprd brunneus, dorsi plumis late albido marginatis, dorso postico et uropygio albis brunneo irregulariter 
notatis et fasciatis : capite et collo postico brunneis albido striolatis : tectricibus alarum brunneis pallidius 
marginatis, medianis et majoribus albido terminatis : remigibus nigricanti-brunneis, secundariis pallidioribus, 
internis pallidiore brunneo marmoratis et albido terminatis : subtus albicans, ubique brunneo maculatus 
aut semifasciatus : rostro cinerascenti-brunneo, versus basin mandibulse pallidiore, ad apicem corneo : pedibus 
saturate brunneis. 

Full, ubique saturate cineraseenti-brunneus, pileo nigricante marmorato : dorso obscuro brunneo notato : rostro 
nigro : pedibus plumbeis : iride nigra. 

Adult. General plumage pure white j back and upper surface of wings slaty black j the secondaries and scapulars 
crossed by a broad terminal bar of white ; the primaries black, the first with a broad irregular bar across both 
webs, and beyond it a small terminal spot of white ; the rest are largely tipped with white, and on the inner 
web of some of them there is likewise a semilunate mark of greyish white. Irides silvery grey ; bill bright 
lemon-yellow, changing to red on the prominence of the lower mandible ; legs and feet greenish yellow, 
inclining to grey. Length 24‘5 inches ; extent of wings 57 ; wing, from flexure, 16‘5 ; tail 6'5 ; bill, along 
the ridge 2'25, along the edge of lower mandible 3 ; bare tibia 1*25 ; tarsus 2'5 ; middle toe and claw 2-5. 

Young. General plumage dark slaty grey, obscurely mottled and freckled with white, especially on the under- 
parts, and suffused on the shoulders and wdngs with brown ; the sides of the face uniform slaty grey, the 


48 


chin whitish, and the plumage below the eheeks and around the neck lighter than the surrounding parts,, 
giving a slightly hooded appearance to the head when uplifted ; the feathers of the upper surface margined 
with creamy white, producing a speckled effect, the margins of the wing-coverts, however, being darker ; 
the rump and upper tail-coverts white, conspicuously marked with greyish black, each feather being crossed 
by several broad irregular bars, presenting a pretty spotted surface ; the vent and under tail-coverts similarly 
marked ; the quills and tail-feathers slaty black, the latter narrowly tipped with white. Irides and bill black ; 
legs and feet dark brown. 

More advanced state. General plumage dark brownish grey, varied more or less with white. On the head, neck, 
and underparts the grey and white are blended, presenting a mottled appearance ; the feathers composing 
the mantle are barred and margined, and the wing-coverts are margined and vandyked with white ; tlic 
primaries ai’e brownish black and the secondaries dark brown, changing to white at the tips ; the tail- 
feathers are blackish brown, the outermost one on each side spotted on its outer web, and all of them marbled 
towards the base with greyish white ; upper and lower tail-coverts white, conspicuously barred with brown ; 
axillary plumes uniform dark grey. Bill greyish brown, horn-coloured towards the tips of both mandibles ; 
legs and feet dark brown. 

Progress towards maturity. As the change of plumage is gradual, individuals present much diversity in their 
progress towards maturity, the tendency being towards a lighter grey in the ground-colours, with less of the 
spotted character. The following is a description of a well-advanced bird ; — Upper parts dark grey, marked 
and obscurely spotted with white, lighter on the head, neck, and upper tail-coverts ; on the scapulars a 
central spot of black j underparts light grey, mottled with darker ; under tail-coverts white, transversely 
barred with black ; primaries and secondaries black, the latter tipped with white ; tail-feathers black, with a 
narrow terminal mai’k of white. 

During the transitional state, birds are met with in very different conditions of plumage, as the following 
selected examples will show : — 

No. 1. Has the mantle and upper surface of wings mottled grey as in the young bird ; tail blackish 
brown ; rest of the plumage pure white. 

No. 2. Back and interscapular region slaty black as in the adult ; upper surface of wings mottled grey ; 
tail with a tenninal band of black ; rest of the plumage white. 

No. 3. Similar to No. 2 but with a dark tail, and with the plumage of the wings much abraded and faded. 

No. 4. Plumage as in adnlt, but having the head and neck marked all over with lanceolate touches of 
brown ; the first primary with a broad spot of white on its inner web. 

No. 5. Merging into the adult plumage, but retaining all the youthful markings on the wing-coverts. 

No. 6. In adult livery, but with the tail black in its apical portion instead of being white. 

No. 7. Upper suifface as in adult; throat and fore neck white, but the whole of the underparts light 
mottled grey, the line of demarcation across the breast being well defined. 

Nestling. Covered with thick down of a dark ash-grey, varied on the back with dull brown, lighter on the 
underparts ; the head and nape marked with large irregular spots of blackish brown ; irides black ; bill 
black, with a whitish ridge ; feet dark lead-colour. 

Varieties. I have met with one pure albino, with another having a conspicuous white spot on each wing, and a 
third with a broad terminal band of black across the tail. 

An example in the Otago Museum is stained with brown in irregular patches on the face and sides of 
the neck. One which I saw in Auckland harbour, in March, was in the greyish- white transition plumage, 
with a black tail and pure white back and rump, and exhibited a broad white spot on each wing. 
Another which I observed in Wellington harbour had what appeared to be a narrow pectoral band of blackish 
brown forming a conspicuous zone. And on four occasions I have seen, on different parts of the coast, an 
apparently adult bird with a dark fore neck and breast, as described above, the dark colour being, in one 
instance at least, as sharply defined as on the breast of a Wood-Pigeon. One pair in particular, which I scanned 
closely through a strong binocular, followed our steamer for many miles between Napier and Wellington; 
they left us as we entered the heads, although several others in the ordinary plumage followed us in. One 
of the former had the whole of the upper surface brownish black, except the rump, upper tail-coverts, and 


49 


basal portion of rectrices, whieb parts were conspicuously white, leaving a broad terminal band of black on 
the tail ; no white edging to the wing ; head, neck, and breast apparently sooty grey ; underparts white, the 
pectoral line of contact between the two colours being even and well defined. The other was similarly 
marked, but with duller plumage j and I noticed that more than once these dark-breasted birds, acting in 
concert, attacked and dispossessed an adult bird of some garbage that had been thrown overboard. I felt a 
strong temptation to regard this as a new Gull ; but I have seen so many phases of the transitional plumage 
that, in the absence of better evidence, I must register it under the above heading. 

Obs. Mr. Edgar Layard was, I believe, the first to introduce L.pacijicus into our list, stating in a communication 
to ‘ The Ibis ^ * that he had seen it on the wing off Fort Britomart, Auckland. Our bird, even after assuming 
the adult livery, sometimes retains for a season the dark terminal band on the tail ; and Mr. Layard may 
have been misled by this, although Larus pacificus is a more robust bird with a bill nearly twice as broad as 
that of Larus dominicanus. Mr. Howard Saunders, in his ‘ Revision of the Laridse,'’ has extended the 
range of the last-named species to our seas, but there is no satisfactory evidence that it ever occurs there. 
I am aware that there are now in the British Museum several specimens of L. pacificus, labelled as from 
New Zealand, in the collection brought home by the Antarctic Expedition ; but I am poersuaded that this is 
the result of some mistake, as the species has never turned up since on our shores, as it must otherwise have 
done. 


This fine Gull, which ranges over the whole southern hemisphere, is extremely plentiful on all our 
coasts, preferring, however, the smooth sea-beaches and the sandy spits at the mouths of our tidal 
rivers ; in these localities it is always to be met with either singly or associated in large flocks, and 
mixing freely with the smaller species of Gulls, Terns, Oyster-catchers, and other shore-birds. It 
frequents the harbours, and hovers around the vessels with much clamour, waiting to pick up any 
morsel that may chance to be thrown overboard f . It follows in the wake of the departing steamer 
as it quits the still waters for the stormy offing, and often accompanies it far out to sea, eagerly 
watching for stray bits of food as they float astern, and disputing their possession with the Albatros 
and Giant Petrel, on whose domain it has thus far trespassed. It is amusing to watch it on these 
occasions. A flock of a dozen or more will be hovering astern, with a vigorous motion of the wings, 
keeping up with the steamer, and one or two occasionally making a rapid circuit around the ship, 
although going at full speed. A piece of garbage is thrown out from the galleys, and is soon taken 
possession of by one of the Gulls, which “ backstays ” (as sailors express it) with its wings, drops down 
to the surface with back arched and legs spread, and lifts the object in its beak, with a cry like 
“ Caliph.” Instantly all the other Gulls make for the spot, clamouring for their share of the spoils, 
the younger birds uttering a shrill kind of squeal and the old ones a loud harsh cry sounding 
ridiculously like “ Divide, divide ” 

It is a pretty sight to watch these Sea-Gulls among the shipping anchored in our harbours or 
moored alongside of the piers. They assemble in flocks, and are to be seen struggling on the wing 
and screaming with excitement at the sight of any offal thrown into the water; and they exhibit 

* Ibis, 1863, p. 245. 

t The result of our protective legislation has been a perceptible increase in the number of Sea-Gulls frequenting our bays 
and harbours. At Pitone, at the northern extremity of Wellington harbour, where boiling-down works have recently been 
established, flocks numbering several hundreds are daily to be seen crowding on a narrow spit or hovering in the air, the pearly 
whiteness of their general plumage contrasting finely with the black of the upper parts, especially in the strong sunlight of the 
morning. 

t It is notorious how early impressions often cling to one through fife, oven as to matters quite trivial in themselves ; and 
I never see a flock of these birds crowding over an object in the water, in the manner described above — filling the air with their 
cries and with the rapid flutterings of their wings — ^but one of my boyish recollections of a picture in “ Peter Parley s laics is 
vividly brought to mind. It was a scene on the ocean, and represented an eager crowd of sea-birds hovering over the floating 
carcase of a whale. 


VOL. II. 


H 


50 


every transitional state of plumage from the dappled-grey “ koiro ” to the sharply contrasted black- 
and-vphite dress of maturity, and they present on these occasions a very pretty and ever-varying picture 
of bird-life on the wave. 

The several species of Gull hover together promiscuously, and apparently on terms of perfect amity, 
although I have occasionally seen the larger species pursuing and persecuting its weaker congeners. 

It is interesting to observe the extreme buoyancy of this bird on the water. It springs into the 
air and then downwards, head foremost, having apparently great difficulty in submerging the body at all. 

When riding by moonlight along the sandy beaches I have often disturbed the sleeping Sea-Gull. 
It would always rise in the air without uttering a sound, wheel round overhead in a wide circle, and 
then alight again on the sands near the water’s edge. 

During very stormy weather it often travels some miles inland ; and at the breeding-season it 
occasionally penetrates far up the river-courses in search of a secure nesting-place. It also frequents 
the pastures at a distance from the coast in quest of food, doing good service to the farmer by its large 
consumption of caterpillars and other insect pests. On the plains near Waitaki South I saw in the 
month of April a flock of these birds numbering, I should say, at least a thousand individuals, and 
nearly the whole of them in the adult plumage. Further on, near the banks of the river, I saw 
another flock of about four hundred *. To the agriculturist these birds, coming in such numbers and 
preying upon insect-life, must prove of incalculable service. It is said that on the sheep-farms they 
are destructive to the young lambs. This is quite possible, although I think it more likely that they 
confine their attention to the dead or dying ; and the latter would undoubtedly be attacked by 
having their eyes torn out, because that is the habit of this bird. 

It likewise frequents the mouths of all our tidal rivers. Near the outlet of the Whangarei there 
are extensive mangrove-flats which look dreary enough when the tide is out, but have a very pretty 
effect when the sea is at the full, the pale green tops of the bushes resting on the surface, with 
occasional spaces of open water. On the last occasion of my seeing this it was a bright summer’s day 
with the water placid as a mirror, and the picturesque effect was greatly heightened by a flock of these 
Gulls, some of them playing joyously on the surface of the water, others resting on the floating mangrove 
tops, their white plumage showing conspicuously against the light green surroundings. In the distance 
beyond there was a high fern-ridge with a few clumps of bush in the hollows, and away to the right 
a lovely grove of young puriri (Vitex Uttm'alis), the dark hue relieved by an edging of tree ferns, with 
their star-like crowns of soft pale green. I could not help thinking, as I watched the playful evolutions 
of these holiday-making Sea-Gulls, that the scene was in every respect very different to the stormy 
ones on the ocean wave with which these birds are so familiar and amidst which they spend so much 
of their existence. 

On the sea-shore it subsists chiefly on a species of bivalve, and displays much ingenuity in 
breaking the hard shell to get at the contents : seizing it between its powerful mandibles, it runs a few 
steps, then spreads its wings, and mounts in the air to a height of thirty feet or more, when it lets the 
bivalve drop on the hard sandy beach, and descends to pick out the mollusk from the broken fragments. 
Should the first attempt to break the shell by this means prove a failure, the bird repeats the operation ; 
and I once witnessed nine successive attempts before the firm shell yielded. On riding up to the spot, 
I found that the shell was of unusual thickness, and measured more than two inches across the surface. 
Small Crustacea, sandhoppers, dead fish, and carrion of all kinds are also laid under contribution as 
this Gull is both omnivorous and voracious. It will also, when opportunity offers, capture live fish. I 
saw one very cleverly secure in shallow water a flounder about the size of one’s hand. The bird 

* Mr. Cheeseman informs me that in January, 1883, when crossing the mountains from Hokitika to Christchurch he observed 
near Lake Pearson, a large number of these Gulls feeding amongst the tussock-grass. On watching them with a pocket-glass he' 
made out that they were catching the large grasshoppers which were very plentiful there. 


51 


struggled for some time with its captive, but was compelled in the end to let it go, diving its head 
after it several times, but to no purpose. In a state of domestication it will feed freely on cooked 
vegetables, or on any thing that may be offered to it, although it always gives the preference to fresh 
meat of any kind. 

In Napier, where the cultivated grounds were at one time infested with the introduced snail 
{Ilelix hoftensis^, this Gull was found to be quite invaluable. In Mr. Tiffen’s beautiful garden a pair 
of them lived for a considerable time, subsisting entirely on the snail, and performing good service 
among the ferneries. In another place, however, the gardener complained that he was unable to keep 
them on account of their inquisitive habits, all the labels being torn out of the seed-beds as soon as 
they were put down. 

I do not think it has ever been recorded yet that the Sea-Gull has a natural love for music. I 
have seen a tame one in a settler’s garden run up to the house as soon as the children commenced 
theii morning practice on the piano, enter at the open door and stand in the passage in a position of 
eager attention. I was assured that this was an invariable habit, showing incontestably that the bird 
was not insensible to music. On one occasion, long after dark, attracted by the strains of a lively 
waltz, it posted itself under the bay-window and began to scream as if in eager accompaniment ! 

It appears to be semi-nocturnal in its habits, for I have found it moving about on the sands long 
after dark. And often, when travelling by a coastal steamer, after the sun had gone down in his 
splendour behind the rugged crests of the mainland and the pall of night had settled down upon the 
waters, I have observed one or two of them still hovering in our wake. It certainly is the first of the 
shore-birds to be astir in the morning, and unless the frost-fish * hunter commences his search on the 
beach in the early dawn, he finds that the Sea-Gull has been before him and has mangled and partly 
devoured the object of his quest. 

On the memorable 9th September, 1885, during the total eclipse of the sun, one of the objects 
that especially attracted my notice was a Gull of this species hovering in the sky. With many other 
eager spectators, I had been watching this grand phenoilienon of nature through an astronomical tele- 
scope from a good point of observation on the slope of Mount Victoria. The progress of the eclipse 
was accompanied by an extraordinary exhibition of heavy dark shadows on the undulating hills at the 
back of Wellington, the appearance being wholly unlike anything one had witnessed before. As 
totality approached these shadows became fused or merged into a deep neutral tint, and the whole 

landscape was plunged in a livid, unnatural twilight. At the moment of total obscuration- when, 

although the corona presented a nimbus or luminous halo of lustrous beauty, the surface of the earth 
was overspi'ead with an almost appalling, shadowless gloom — a flight of Sparrows, keeping close to 
the ground, swept past us in silence and disappeared in a hollow, whilst a solitary Sea-Gull, on firm 
pinion, was to be seen mounting high in the air, in the very line of vision ; and when, after eighty 
seconds of indescribable emotion to the spectator, the solar orb, preceded by red flashes of lambent 
flame without the moon’s periphery, burst forth in all his glorious effulgence of dazzling light, and 
nature assumed once more her wonted aspect, the Sea-Gull was still to be seen hovering high in the 
heavens as if in utter bewilderment at this unusual scene. 

At the commencement of winter there are few birds, as a rule, to be seen at sea. I have made 
the voyage at this season from Wellington to Manukau, in fine weather, without seeing a single Petrel 
of any kind— only a solitary Gannet off Taranaki, a few Caspian Terns fishing around the Sugar Loaves, 
and a small flock of Tarapunga as we neared the Manukau heads. But this fine Gull was a constant 
attendant, one particular individual, with a peculiar mark on its breast, following us all the way from 

* The frost-flsh (Lepidojpus caudatus), the most delicately flavoured of all New-Zealand fishes, is an inhabitant of deep water, 
and on frosty nights, owing probably to its air-bladders becoming choked, it is cast up by the surf on the ocean-beach. It often 
attains to a length of four feet, is shaped like a whip-snake, and its smooth skin has the sheen of burnished silver. 

h2 


52 


Wellington heads to Napier, a distance of more than a hundred miles. I have observed that it is 
only the bird in adult plumage that ventures far out to sea, in the wake of the steamer ; the young 
birds prefer to keep near the shore — probably they lack the strength of wing necessary for a prolonged 
sea-flight. 

The Hon. Mr. Ballance related to me an anecdote which has furnished my artist with material 
for the pretty woodcut at the end of this article. On the Wellington west coast Mr. James Gear had 
cut some large water-courses for the purpose of draining the Ngakaroro swamps. For some consi- 
derable time after they were opened, these drains carried out to the sea masses of swamp vegetation, 
clumps of negrohead, &c., and occasionally live eels of considerable size. This was in the old coaching 
days ; and on one occasion when Cohhs’ coach was passing this spot (my informant being one of the 
passengers) a Sea-Gull was observed tugging at some object on the beach and apparently in difficulty. 
The coach was stopped, and it was then found that the bird was held firmly by the bill and unable to 
make its escape, the captor being a large eel, weighing probably 6 lbs. or more. The Gull had 
evidently, in its inexperience, inserted its bill into the open mouth of the eel for the purpose of tearing 
out the tongue ; when the jaws of the latter closed in upon it, the teeth becoming firmly fixed on the 
bird’s forehead and rendering escape impossible. It was another illustration of “ the biter bit,” and 
all the unfortunate Sea-Gull could do was to flap its wings violently and by raising the head of the eel 
off the ground, drag its body slowly along the sands. The Native Minister of course liberated the 
bird, and the eel was consigned to the boot of the coach. 

On the Otaki beach I once saw a Sea-Gull with only one leg. It moved about with apparent 
comfort and safety, using its wings pretty often to steady its body. 

Simpkins, a publican at Whakatane, obtained a female of this species, when quite young, from 
White Island, a distance of some thirty-five miles. It became perfectly tame, answering to the name 
of “ Hinemoa,” and coming into the house at meal-times to be fed. When about two years old it 
suddenly disappeared, and after a lapse of six months it returned with two young ones, which have 
since become quite domesticated. By last advices both old bird and young were still inhabitants of 
the yard, and evinced no desire to leave it *. 

The young bird has a very shrill cry, and as it grows older this changes to a prolonged squeal. 
It runs after its parents long after it is fledged and able to take care of itself; and it may be distin- 
guished, almost at any distance, by the peculiar manner in which it arches its back and follows the 
movements of the older birds on the sands. 

The adult bird utters a loud laughing note when alarmed or excited, and at other times a short 
peevish whistle like Jceeo-heeo. The last occasion on which I visited a nesting-ground of this species 
was on the island of Motiti, in the Bay of Plenty, on January 17, 1885. It was situated on the 
summit of a high table rock, covered thickly with native Mesembryanthemum. The nests were neatly 
formed of dry grass and placed right in the midst of the spreading plant, which, in this exposed 
position, was of very stunted growth. The young birds in their woolly jackets had left the nests but 
were still on the rock, and allowed us to handle them without any resistance. On our departure, 
however, they descended and hid themselves, whilst the old birds mounted guard on the highest crags, 
their snowy plumage gleaming in the sunlight and their forms strangely magnified against the back- 
ground of blue sky. On our return, an hour later, the “ woolly jackets ” had commenced their ascent 
of the rock, hnt paterfamilias with a low note of Jco-ko-ko, which was apparently quite intelligible to 
the young birds, warned them of impending danger, and they were immediately invisible. 

* I remember, wlien I was a boy, having a tame one on the Mission Station at Tangiteroria, ninety miles up the Wairoa 
river. On reaching maturity it suddenly disappeared, and we supposed it had fallen a victim to some predatory hawk ; hut six 
months afterwards it returned, bringing with it a mate from the sea, and after sojourning a few hours took its final departure. 
This remarkable exercise of memory in the bird, for it could be nothing else, is very interesting and suggestive. 


53 


It is easily domesticated, and becomes much attached to those who show it any attention. Some 
years ago I saw a very beautiful albino, having the entire plumage of the purest white, in the possession 
of Captain Eobinson at Manawatu. A similar albino was kept, for a long time, as a pet, by the 
Maoris at Tahoraiti. I have also seen one exhibiting a white border on both edges of the wings. 

At Wi Parata’s settlement at Waikanae I saw a tame one that had been in his possession for 
three years. It was perfectly domesticated and answered to the name of “ Dick ” — responding when 
called, taking food from the hand, and ruling the poultry-yard in a spirit of despotism. I saw it on 
one occasion valiantly attack a cocker-spaniel in order to dispute possession of a bone which it 
succeeded in carrying oflF. Another which I obtained from the nest in the month of February, and 
kept in my garden for more than five years, afforded me the opportunity of studying the habits of this 
species and of marking its successive changes of plumage before it finally assumed the adult livery of 
“ black and white with yellow mountings ” *. 

The most remarkable phase of character it developed was the romantic attachment it formed for 
a large black-and-white Newfoundland dog. For more than two years it had enjoyed the constant 
companionship of a tame Skua {Stercorarius antarcticus) and seemed then to be perfectly happy ; but 
on the death of the latter, the Sea-Gull moped for a time and then fixed her affections on “ Crusoe ” in 
a very unmistakable way. Whenever the dog appeared on the lawn the bird would run to meet him 
with loud clamour, and dance round him with every expression of delight ; when the dog had coiled 
himself to rest, the bird would peck him all over in a loving way with its bill, and finally nestle down 
beside him or even squat upon his soft coat, and if disturbed would utter a long squealing note as if 
in mild protest. Early one morning, although previously seen by the gardener, it unaccountably 
disappeared and was never recovered. Its affection for the dog seems to have proved fatal in the end, 
for there is little doubt that the bird followed the dog out and fell a victim to the street larrikins. 
We had become familiar with its noisy clamour and many peculiar ways, as it had been an inhabitant 
of our garden for so many years, and as it was in perfect plumage it was decidedly ornamental to the 
grounds ; consequently its sudden disappearance was a matter of general regret to the household. 

It breeds on the open sea-shore in remote or little-frequented parts of the coast, or on the shingle- 
banks far up the river-courses— nesting in large companies, and repairing to the same breeding-station 
season after season. The nest is formed with a tolerable amount of care, being constructed of dry 

* The following particulars extracted from my note-hook may be useful as marking the progressive history of the species : — 
It first began to show signs of a change of plumage in the month of April, the grey on the sides of the head and nape becoming 
lighter and imparting a slightly hooded appearance to the crown and face, whilst the scapulars began to present white terminal 
fringes. By the middle of June it had undergone a further change ; the plumage of the shoulders and back had got perceptibly 
darker, the new feathers covering these parts being of a slaty -grey colour with darker centres, whilst the sides of the face, the fore 
neck, and breast had become lighter, the transition from dark grey to whitish grey having quite altered the expression of the face 
and given the eyes a fretful look. Jlo change in the colours of the soft parts was observable tiU J anuary, when the irides had turned 
to greyish brown, the legs had become tinged with pale green and the bill appreciably lighter in colour. At this period also the 
back was moulting, the new slaty-black feathers being very conspicuous. After an absence from home of several months I 
observed a considerable change, the condition of the bird at the end of December being as follows Head and neck white, 
somewhat clouded and spotted with brown ; shoulders and underparts of the body white, more or less blotched with greyish 
brown ; wings shaded with blackish brown ; rump white ; the interscapulars changing from blackish brown to the slaty-black 
colour characteristic of tho adult bird ; tail black ; under tail-coverts wMte, broadly barred with blackish brown; bill greenish 
yellow, changing to reddish towards the symphysis of the lower mandible; logs pale greyish green ; irides pale grey. In the 
following month there was a rapid whitening of the head and neck, and the primaries and secondaries, which had been cut short 
more than a vear before, were replaced by new ones, black instead of brown, the broad white tips on the two middle secondaries 
being very conspicuous. By the end of February (the bird being then three years old) the adult livery had been fully assumed, 
except that there were some clouded markings of grey on the head, neck, and underparts ; but as the latter rapidly diminished 
and finally disappeared it was evident that the change to perfect whiteness had taken place in the feathers themselves ; the tail 
had become pure white, and the bill uniform dull yellow, washed with reddish brown on the symphysial prominence of the lower 
mandible; the irides pearl-grey, and the legs and feet dull greenish grey. 


54 


seaweed, grass-tussocks torn up by the roots, and other rough materials, the interior being carefully 
lined with bent *. Some nests exhibit far less finish than others ; and occasionally the eo-o-s are 
deposited on the bare sand, a mere depression in the surface being considered sufficient : they are 
generally tw^o in number (sometimes three), broadly ovoido-conical in form, measuring 2-8 inches in 
length by 2 in breadth, and they vary considerably in their style of colouring : generally speaking, 
they are of a warm greenish-grey colour, varied over the entire surface with spots, streaks, and blotches 
of dark umber ; in some the ground-colour is tinged with light brown. Hardly two specimens can be 
found exhibiting the same markings, some being densely studded with minute spots, while others are 
covered with irregular streaks and blotches varying in density of colour from light brown to black. 
In one specimen, which came into my hands, an eccentric streak had assumed a curious resemblance 
to the letters MD. When disturbed in their nesting-ground, the old birds become very excited and 
clamorous, flying about high overhead in a very confused manner, with cries of ha-ha-haro-haro ; while 
the young ones betake themselves at once to the nearest water, or squat and hide among the 'stones, 
where the protective colouring of their down is of the utmost service to them. 

• A remarlvable nest of this species, in the Canterbury Museum, affords, to my mind, an explanation of a point raised about 
the nesting-habits of L. bulleri, in my controversy with Captain Hutton in 1874 (Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. vi. pp. 126-138). In 
my account of the last-named species, I had stated that “ its attempts at forming a nest are of the rudest kind a few bents of 
grass or other dry materials loosely coUected round the edges being deemed a sufficient preparation.” Captain Hutton contradicted 
this, and stated that it » forms a very good nest.” As a rule the Black-backed Gull Hkewise forms a somewhat indifferent nest 
and as often merely deposits its eggs in a depression in the sand. In some localities, however, where the ground is damp or 
swampy, or liable to be overflowed, the bird appears to adapt its building to the requirements of the situation. The nest in 
question is a massive agglomeration of seaweeds, rushes, twigs, grasses, and other rubbish, closely pressed together, and forming 
a flattened globular cushion two feet in length by eighteen inches in breadth and nine inches in thickness ; in the centre there 
is a slight depression, for the reception of the eggs. Mr. Enj-s (who was present when this nest was found) informs me that it 
was placed between the roots of a drift stump of totara, near a river-mouth (Milford Sound), being surrounded by water at 
every high tide. 

In the Canterbury Museum there is a similar nest of the Mackerel-Gull {L. scopulinus) formed of dry twigs, grasses, 
and seaweed, a foot long by eight inches across, and raised five inches from the ground. This was found under similar conditions 
as the other. And we may fairly assume that the same W'ould happen in the case of the closely aUiod species L. hulleri. 



The Biter Bit” (an incident of Bird-life in !New Zealand). 


Oedee GAVIJi].] 


[Pam. LARIDJi;. 


LAEUS SCOPELINUS. 

(RED-BILLED GULL.) 


Lams scopulinus, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 106 (1844). 

Lams novw hoUandice, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terr., Birds, p. 18 (1844). 
Lestris scopulinus, Ellinan, Zool. 1861, p. 7472. 

Lams jamesoni, Hutton, Cat. Birds of N. Z. 1871, p. 41. 


Native names. — Tarapunga, Makora, and Akiaki. 

A-d. pileo undique albo ; corpore suprk dare cinereo, tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus, tectricibus primariorum 
albis versus apicem cinereo lavatis ; primariis nigris, albo apicatis, duobus exterioribus subtermiualiter plagi 
magn4 alba notatis, interioribus plerumque albis intus cinereo lavatis nigro subtermiualiter trausfasciatis : 
secundariis dorso concoloribus : dorso postico cum uropygio caudAque albis : subtiis pure albus, subalaribus 
cinereo lavatis : rostro cruentato, culmine et apice pallidioribus : pedibus pallidius cruentatis : iride argenteo- 
alb9. : annulo opbthalmico cruentato. 

Juv. scapularibus et tectricibus alarum brunneo maculatis et marmoratis : primariis albo minus notatis, secundariis 
conspicue brunneo lavatis. 

Adult. General plumage pure white ; the back, scapulars, and upper surface of wings pale ash-grey anterior 
edge of wings and four of the large outer coverts white ; first primary white at the base, black in its median 
portion, the shaft and then the whole surface becoming white, finally banded near the tip with black ; the 
second similar to the first, but with more white at the base, the inner web being margined with black, the 
median black less extended, and the shaft wholly white, with the same extent of white beyond, but a broader 
subterminal band of black ; the third primary for two thirds of its length white, edged on the inner web 
with dusky black, the rest of the feather black, the white, however, being continued on the shaft till it 
spreads into a paddle-shaped mark on the inner web, about halfway down from the tip, which is also white ; 
the fourth primary white, with the inner web wholly covered towards the base and margined towards the 
end with dusky black, with a subterminal band of black fully an inch in width; on the fifth quill the dusky 
black changes to dark ash-grey, which spreads over both webs towards the base, and the subterminal band 
is about half an inch in breadth ; on the next quill the extent of white is considerably diminished, and the 
subterminal band is not only less in breadth but is interrupted by a shaft-line of white ; the succeeding 
quills and the secondaries are wholly ash-grey, slightly paler at the tips. Irides silvery white ; bill dark 
arterial red, lighter on the ridge and towards the tip ; eyelids and feet pale arterial red, the claws brownish 
black. Length 14'5 inches ; extent of wings 34 ; wing, from flexure, 11-25 ; tail 5; bill, along the ridge 1-23, 
along the edge of lower mandible 1-75 ; bare tibia -5; tarsus 1-75 ; middle toe and claw 1-75. 

Obs. It should be observed that the markings on the primaries vary slightly in different individuals. The 
above description is taken from a fine specimen in perfect plumage. 

In the nuptial season the male birds (if not both sexes) have the plumage of the breast and sides 
suffused with a delicate roseate tint. When the sun is shining on a group of these pretty birds, as they rest 
on the sands, this hue is visible even at a distance of twenty yards or more. 

Young *. The young bird of the first year has the upper wing-coverts shaded and blotched more or less with 

Professor Hutton, in the “Critical Notes ” appended to his ‘Catalogue of the Birds of N. Z.’ (p. 78), says that the 3^oung 
of L. scopulinus is similar in its colours to the adult, whilst the bird he distinguishes as L. jamesoni has brown feathers on the 


56 


brown ; scapulars even more so, tbe dark eolour occupying the centre of the feather, the margins being 
whitish ; the first primary white at the base, then entirely black in its whole length, excepting only a fusi- 
form spot of white about ’75 of an inch in extent in its apical portion; the next quill is similar, but with 
more white at the base and a mueh smaller apical spot ; the three succeeding quills white on their outer 
webs, in their basal portion, entirely black beyond ; the secondaries are ash-grey at the base, blackish brown 
in their apical portion, and tipped with lighter grey. Irides purplish brown ; bill yellowish brown, blackish 
at the tip; legs and feet pale flesh-red. 

Fledgling. The following series collected by myself, at one time and in the same nesting-place, exhibits the 
development of the fledgling : — 

No. 1. Is just feathered, but with tufts of blackish-brown down still adhering to the plumage of the 
head and neck and above the tail ; the quills are about four inches long, and their coverts as well as the 
scapulars are blackish brown, edged with fulvous ; irides, bill, and legs black. 

No. 2. More advanced but unable to fly; has the irides black, the bill dull brown, with a darker tip, 
and the legs paler brown ; the first primary marked with a fusiform spot of white about the centre and 
having a minute terminal spot; tail-feathers with a subapical bar of blackish brown on their inner web. 

No. 3. Just able to fly ; has scarcely any indication of brown spots on the wings, but they are con- 
spicuous on the scapulars, and reappear on the inner secondaries ; the first primary is marked as in No. 2, 
but, owing to the development of the feather from its sheath, being much nearer to the distal end, the second 
primary with a smaller white spot about an inch from the tip, and the third black, but all of them having 
white terminal points ; tail white. 

No. 4. Similar to No. 3 and of same age; but having the wing-coverts blackish brown largely margined 
with fulvous, and the dark markings on the scapulars reduced to a rounded subapical spot. 

Obs. It ought to be mentioned that the size and form of the apical spots on the primaries, and the extent of 
the brown markings on the secondaries, are very variable in different examples. I have seen a young bird 
with the white apical markings described above entirely wanting in one wing, and represented in the other 
only by a small round spot on the inner web of the first primary. 


This pretty little Gull is one of our commonest birds, frequenting every part of the coast and being 
equally plentiful at all seasons of the year. It is a bird of very lively habits, and its presence goes 
far to relieve the monotony of a ride over such dreary stretches of sand as the Ninety-mile Beach and 
the coast-line between Wanganui and Wellington. At one time you will meet with a flock of fifty 
or more in council assembled, fluttering their wings, chattering and screaming in a state of high 
excitement ; at another you will observe them silently winnowing the air, turning and passing up and 
down at regular intervals, as they eagerly scan the surface of the water. Here you find them ranged 
apart along the smooth beach like scouts on a cricket-ground ; there you see a flock of them packed 
together on a narrow sand-spit, standing closer than a regiment of soldiers — heads drawn in, one foot 
up, “ standing at ease.” Then again, if you observe them closely, you may see them following and 
plundering the Oyster-catcher in a very systematic manner. Nature has furnished the last-named 
bird with a long bill, with which it is able to forage in the soft sand for blue crabs and other small 
crustaceans. The Eed-billed Gull is aware of this, and cultivates the society of his long-billed 
neighbour to some advantage ; he dogs his steps very perseveringly, walking and flying after him, and 
then quietly standing by till something is captured, when he raises his wings and makes a dash at it. 
The Oyster-catcher may succeed in flying off with his prey ; but the plunderer, being swifter on the 
wing, pursues, overtakes, and compels a surrender. The gentleman of the long hill looks gravely on 

wings at aU ages. In this he is absolutely wrong, for I have traced the young of the former from its earliest condition as a 
fledgling, and there can be no question of the correctness of my diagnosis as given above. The L. jamesoni of Prof. Hutton’s 
Catalogue is undoubtedly the young of L. seopulinus. 


57 


while his crab is being devoured ; and having seen the last of it he gives a stifled whistle and trots 
off in search of another, his eager attendant following suit. 

It frequents our harbours in large numbers, hovering round the shipping and associating freely 
with the Black-backed Gull ; but although it often follows the vessel from its anchorage it does not 
venture so far out to sea as its larger congener. It also goes inland to feed, and large flocks, 
numbering several hundred birds, may sometimes be seen in the grass-paddocks, or following the 
plough on the settlers’ farms, miles away from any sheet of water. In the month of March I met 
with a considerable flock of them at Sulphur Point in Lake Eotorua. 

The light hovering flight and pretty aerial movements of this bird around and amongst the 
shipping at its moorings is quite a distinctive feature of our ports. Its ordinary cry is cre-cre-cre ; 
but when alarmed or excited this becomes prolonged into cr-e-e-6 cr-e-e-d. 

At Maketu, near the ancient landing-place, there is a conspicuous grove of karamu [Coprosma 
Incida). The Maori tradition is that these trees sprang from the skids brought ashore from the 
Arawa canoe and used for hauling her up, when the first inhabitants landed on this coast some five 
hundred years ago. In deference to this widely accepted tradition, this clump of trees has, from time 
immemorial, been strictly tapu. About the year 1845 a native named Hororiri, in a fit of melancholy, 
hung himself on one of the karamu trees ; but so sacred was the spot that none of his friends would 
venture in to cut him down. His body accordingly dangled there till it fell ; and when I visited the 
place in 1880, human bones were still to be seen on the ground. My reason, however, for mentioning 
the place in the present connection is this : at the season when the karamu-berries are ripe hundreds 
of the Eed-billed Gull resort to this clump of trees and, perching on the topmost twigs, eagerly devour 
the fruit — a circumstance in the history of this species which has not hitherto been observed elsewhere. 
Captain Mair assures me that he has often been an eye-witness of this himself. He adds: — “ They 
were so tame that I could have knocked them down with my walking-stick. I also saw them in 
great numbers in the corn-fields at Maketu, and again near Tauranga yesterday (May 12). I saw a 
man ploughing up a grass-field ; a flock of three or four hundred of these beautiful little creatures 
followed his furrow so closely that they seemed almost to settle between his feet.” 

By the end of January most of the young birds have started in life on their own account ; 
although, owing to the gregarious instinct of the species, they often remain for months in association 
with the old birds. At Ohinekoau, a few miles south of Matata, I observed (as early as Jan. 17) a 
full-grown young bird following its parents. The latter were very tame, hovering within a few feet 
of us in an inquisitive fashion, whilst the young one, uttering a low whimpering cry, occupied itself 
in catching flies on a flowering shrub at the water’s edge. This was at the very spot where, in 1864, 
our faithful ally, Winiata Tohiteururangi, badly wounded in both hip and shoulder, during an 
engagement with the Ngatiporou, breathed his last, — telling his panic-stricken followers to fight on 
bravely under the British flag. The magnificent pohutukawa tree against which rested the body of 
the dying chief is still pointed out to the traveller. 

During the breeding-season, which extends over December and January, this Gull resorts to the 
river-beds and to the shores of lakes a short distance from the sea, often nesting in large colonies, 
and depositing its eggs on the bare ground with little attempt at preparation. About the middle 
of January I visited one of these breeding-places in the Bay of Plenty. The young at this time, 
although fully fledged, were unable to fly, but took readily to the water. On catching one of them it 
disgorged from its throat some small fish with which it had just been fed. This food was in a semi- 
digested state, and had doubtless undergone some process of deglutition in the crop of the old bird 
before being served. The eggs are generally three in number, broadly ovoido-conical in form, measuring 
2T inches in length by 1'5 in breadth ; they vary in colour from greenish white to a pale yellowish 
brown, spotted and marked with greyish purple and brown, more thickly towmrds the larger end. 

VOL. II. I 


Oedee GAYIiE.] 


[Fam. LAEIDJE. 


LAETJS BULLEEI. 

(BLACK-BILLED GULL.) 


Qavia 2 )omare, Bruch, J. f. Orn. 1855, p. 285 (not G. pomarre of 1853). 
BrucMgavia melanorhyncha, Buller, Ibis, 1869, p. 43. 

Larus {Bnichigavia) melanorhyncJms, Finsch, tom. cit. p. 381. 

Larus hulleri, Hutton, Cat. Birds of N. Z. 1871, p. 41. 

Larus bulleri, Potts, Ibis, 1872, p. 38. 


Native name . — Tarapunga. 


Ad. suprk dilutissime cinercus : pileo cum collo postico et interscapulio, dorso postico uropvgio et corpore subtus 
toto, albis : plaga nucbali indistincta bruune^ ; tectricibus alarum dorso coucoloribus, exterioribus et aM 
spuria pure albis : remigibus dilutissime cinereis dorso coucoloribus, apicem versus albis, primariis albis, 
pogoniis ambobus et apice pennarum plus minusve late nigro marginatis, hdc albo terminate : eauda omninb 
alba : rostro nigro : pedibus nigricauti-brunneis : iride argenteo-alba. 

Juv. dorso et scapularibus obscure brunneo notatis, plumis albo terminatis subterminaliter grisescenti-brunneo 
fasciatis : tectricibus alarum medianis grisescenti-brunncis albido marginatis : sccundariis intimis medialiter 
distincte brunneo lavatis. 

Adult. General plumage pure white; baek, scapulars, and upper surfaee of wings delicate ash-grey; breast 
and sides of the body suffused with a beautiful rosy blush, which fades after death, or entirely disappears. 
The primary quills are white, eecentrically varied with black ; the first primary is narrowly margined on its 
outer and marked diagonally on its inner web, and tipped with black ; on the next the black increases, and 
forms a broad subterminal bar, which enlarges on the two succeeding ones, and decreases on the fifth ; the 
sixth is ashy, with merely a suhterminal interrupted bar of black. Irides silvery white; hill black, 
sometimes tinged with red towards the hase; legs and feet blackish brown. Total length 15 inches ; extent 
of wings 35 ; wing, from flexure, 11'75 ; tail 4‘5 ; hill, along the ridge 1’5, along the edge of lower 
mandible 2; hare tibia '75 ; tarsus 1'5 ; middle toe and claw 1‘5 ; hind toe and claw '3. 

Young. Has the plumage of the hack and mantle and the scapulars obscurely spotted with hrown, each feather 
having a white tip bounded below by an irregular spot of greyish brown ; the first two primaries black, 
with a longitudinal oar-shaped white mark covering both webs, the rest of the primaries white in their 
basal portion, then black, and with minute terminal spots of white ; the median wing-coverts greyish brown 
with a whitish margin ; the long inner secondaries largely marked in their central portion with greyish 
brown. In some examples there is a wash of brown on the crown. Bill black in its terminal portion, 
reddish brown towards the base ; legs and feet dull reddish brown. 

Ohs. The extent of the black markings on the primaries is very variable ; and in some examples the first quill 
is largely tipped with black. There appears to be a seasonal change in the colour of the bill and legs, the 
former becoming dull yellow, stained at the tips with brown, and the tarsi and toes changing to pale orange- 
red, with darker webs and black claws. 


The Black-billed Gull was originally described by myself, as already cited, under the name of 


/ 



J-C.KEuLEMANS CELT 4 LITH J U D 0 4 C? LI M I T E D. I M P 


BLACK-BILLED GULL. 

LARUS BULLERI. 


RED-BILLED GULL. 


(TWO-FIFTHS NATURAL SIZE) 


LARUS SCOPULINUS. 




I 


) 


69 


Brudugavia melanorliyncha * ; but as the retention of Bonaparte’s subdivision is considered unde- 
sirable, I must now follow other authors in referring both this and the preceding species to the larger 
and better-defined genus Larus. Finding that the above title had already been bestowed on another 
member of the genus, by Temminck, Professor Hutton did me the honour to associate my name with 
the present species, which was figured for the first time in my former edition. 

Another well-known local naturalist, Mr. T. H. Potts, paid me a similar compliment in proposing 
the name of Larus hulleri for a yellow-billed Gull, which he considered distinct. In treating of the 
latter bird (Birds New Zeal. 1st ed. p. 277) I stated that, whilst expressing my acknowledgments, I 
was unable to recognize the supposed specific distinction. On a careful comparison of the two birds, I 
found that they corresponded exactly in size, in the form of the bill, and in the colours of the plumage, 
even the eccentric markings on the primary quills being the same in both. The only difference, there- 
fore, was in the colour of the bill and legs ; and such a distinction could not be accepted as having any 
specific value till it had been shown that the difference of colour was constant in both birds all 
tbe year round. As opposed to the latter view, I mentioned that in the autumn of 1871 I had shot a 
specimen, on the sand-banks at Hokitika, in which the bill was pale coral-red in its basal portion, 
and brownish black beyond the nostrils, indicating, as it appeared to me, a transition to the black bill 
characteristic of the full winter plumage. Dr. Finsch, to whom I had forwarded skins of both for 
examination, concurred in this opinion ; but he also went further, and referred the species to Larus 
pomare of Bruch (supposed to be from the Society Islands), although he complained of the 
extreme confusion and insufficiency of all Bruch’s descriptions. While attaching great weight to 
the opinion of so careful an ornithologist as Dr. Finsch, 1 was unable to adopt his view in this 
case ; for having visited the Museum at Mainz and examined the type of Larus pomarre for myself, I 
found that it had a more robust bill than our bird, and more black on the primaries ; while the young, 
in addition to the spotted markings on the back and wings, which appear to be common to the whole 
group, had dark ear-coverts, and a brown terminal band across the tail. 

Mr. Howard Saunders in his revision of the Larince (P. Z. S. 1878) has cleared up the con- 
fusion in the nomenclature of this species with Larus pomare. He states that during a recent visit 
to Bremen he went into the whole question with Dr. Finsch, who had previously studied the subject, 
and had made numerous and careful drawings of the primaries of Bruch’s types of L, pomare in the 
Mainz Museum, and of many other specimens. He gives figures of the three outer primaries of 
Ijarus hulleri, and says “ I have examined the type of Bruch’s L. pomare of 1855, and it is un- 
doubtedly of this species ; but the type of his L. pomarre of 1853 is as certainly L. novce-hollandioe.” 
(See woodcuts on page 62.) This explanation puts the matter in a perfectly clear light; and both 
pomare (Bruch) and melanorliyncha (mihi) having been previously employed for other species, our 
Black-billed Gull must stand as Larus hulleri, Hutton, under which name it is again described and 
figured here. I have recently visited Mainz again, and verified for myself the above observations. 

On the habits of this species, as observed by Mr. Travers on Lake Guyon, in the provincial 
district of Nelson, I have much pleasure in quoting the following account from that gentleman’s facile 
pen : — “ The Black-billed Gull breeds on the main river-bed ; and one or more pairs usually frequent 

* Mr. Howard Saunders, in his revision of the Larince, in the Proc. Zool. Soo. 1878, p. 161, notices my having adopted 
Bonaparte’s Bruchic/avia, “ a genus playfully made,” for a New-Zealand species, this being, as he states, “ its only claim to 
remembrance.” He had apparently forgotten that Mr. Gould, in his ‘ Handbook to the Birds of Australia ’ (published in 1865), 
adopted Bonaparte’s playful name for “ a genus of Gulls the members of which are delicate in their structure, elegant in their 
appearance, and graceful in all their actions ” — deliberately substituting that generic title for Xema, the one previously used in 
his folio edition. In 1869, in a communication to ‘ The Ibis,’ I described a new species of this group from New Zealand, and 
provisionally referred it to that genus under the name of Bruchigavia melamrhyneha ; but when I treated of the genus more 
exhaustively in my ‘ Birds of New Zealand ’ (1st ed., 1S73), I adopted the generic division of Larus for this {=L. hulleri) and 
the allied species. 

i2 


60 


the lake after the breeding-season is over. On one occasion a pair of these birds, having by some 
means or other lost their own brood, returned to the lake earlier than usual. I brought up a j'oung 
bird belonging to another brood, and placed it on the lake ; and the bereaved parents at once took to 
it, tending it with the greatest care and solicitude. It is extremely interesting to watch these birds 
in their ordinary search for food during windy weather. The prevalent winds blow either up or 
down the lake ; and when seeking food, the birds soar against the wind along the margin of the lake 
on one side, until they reach its extremity, when they at once turn and run down before the wind to 
the other end, where they recommence their soaring flight. But the most singular circumstance is 
that in the main valley they pursue various species of moths, which occur in large numbers amongst 
the tussock grasses, and especially in sedgy patches occupied by standing water. I could not for 
some time make out the object of their peculiar flight ; but a friend of mine (Mr. R. W. Fereday, of 
Christchurch), who was lately on a visit with me for the purpose of collecting the lepidoptera of the 
district, whilst pursuing a large moth, observed one of these Gulls swoop at and capture it. We 
then noticed that some five or six of the birds were busily engaged in feeding on the moths, pursuing 
them very much as other insectivorous birds would do. The birds which frequent the lake become 
very tame, one pair in particular readily taking a worm from my outstretched hand, and constantly 
coming close to the house for food. Nothing can exceed the pureness and delicacy of their plumage 
when in full feather. It is doubtful whether this kind ever visits the sea-coast.” 

The specimens on which Mr. Potts founded his description of Lams hulleri Avere obtained near 
the mouth of the Waimakariri river ; and, as already mentioned, I met with the same bird on the west 
coast. The Black-billed Gull is therefore not confined to the inland lakes, as was hitherto supposed, 
but also frequents the mouths of rivers and estuaries, where it appears to mingle freely with the flocks 
of Lams scopulinus, Sterna frontalis, and other birds having a community of interest. It is com- 
paratiA'ely plentiful in Queen Charlotte’s Sound and at Nelson. I have met with it frequently in 
Wellington harbour, as well as in ports further north ; but it is far less common than the Red-billed 
Gull, from which it is easily distinguished on the wing by the black extremities of the primaries. It 
seems to be less social in its habits than the last-named bird, for I have generally noticed it associating 
in pairs W'hen not commingling with flocks of the other species on their common feeding-ground. On 
the wing it is more Tern-like than L. scopulinus, and is generally less approachable. 

Like the preceding species, the Black-billed Gull deposits its eggs on the bai’e ground, its attempts 
at forming a nest being of the rudest kind, a few bents of grass or other dry materials loosely collected 
round the edges being deemed a sufficient preparation. There are two examples of the egg of this 
Gull in the Canterbury Museum, both very handsome in appearance, but diflfering entirely in the 
style and distribution of their colours. One of these is of a narrow ovoid form, measuring 2T5 inches 
in length by 1’65 in breadth ; it is of a dull yellowish white or pale buff, covered with numerous spots 
and irregular markings of dark brown ; these markings are more numerous towards the thicker end, 
forming a broad zone and displaying fantastic shapes not unlike some of the characters in the Chinese 
alphabet ; and on one side of the egg, commencing at the smaller end, there is a large blotch of 
rich umber-brown, varied with a darker brown, and covering more than half its surface. The other 
example is somewhat smaller and more rounded in form ; the ground-colour is a delicate greenish 
grey ; about the middle of the egg there is a narrow belt of a brighter tint of green ; near the thick 
end there is a broad dark zone formed of obscure inky blotches, varied with irregular markings of 
blackish brorvn ; and over the entire surface there are small scattered spots and markings of a rich 
dark-brown colour. A specimen in my son’s collection, obtained at Preservation Inlet, measures 2*25 
inches in length by Iffi in breadth, being more elliptical in form than the eggs of Larus scopulinus. 
It is of a dark cream-colour, the surface covered with numerous irregular spots of purplish brown, 
some having the usual washed-out appearance, and ornamented with peculiar pencilled markings 
resembling Arabic characters, which form themselves into a broad zone near the larger end. 


Oedeb GAVI^.] 


[Fam. LAEID^. 


LAEUS NOViE HOLLANDIJ:. 

(BKOWN-BILLED GULL.) 


Larus novae hollandice, Stephens, Shaw’s Gen. Zool. xiii. pt. i. p. 196 (1826), ex Latham. 
Larus jamesonii, Wilson, 111. Zool. pi. xxiii. (1831). 

Larus scopulinus, var. major, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 106 (1844). 

Xema jamesonii, Goidd, Birds of Australia, vol. vii. pi. xx. (1848, nec Wils.). 

Gavia jamesonii, Wils. Bruch, J. f. Orn. 1853, p. 102, et 1855, p. 285. 

Gavia andersonii, Bruch, J. £. Orn. 1853, p. 102, et 1855, p. 285. 

Gavia pomarre, Bruch, J. f. Orn. 1853, p. 103 (not Gavia pomare of 1855, p. 285). 
Gelastes gouldi. Bp. Naumann. 1854, p. 216. 

Gelastes corallinus. Bp. tom. cit. pp. 212, 216. 

Gelastes andersonii. Bp. tom. cit. p. 212. 

Gavia gouldii. Bp. Bruch, J. f. Orn. 1855, p. 285. 

Bruchigavia gouldi. Bp. Consp. Av. ii. p. 228 (1857). 

Bruclngavia pomare. Bp. tom. cit. p. 228 (1857). 

Bruchigavia jamesonii. Bp. tom. cit. p. 228 (1857). 

Bruchigavia corallinus. Bp. tom. cit. p. 228 (1857). 

Larus scopulinus major, Schlegel, M. P.-Bas, Larinm, p. 29 (1863). 

Bruchigavia jameson ii, Gould, Handb. B. of Austral, ii. p. 387 (1865). 

Larus scopulinus, Huttou, Cat. Birds of N. Z. pp. 40, 78 (1871). 


Native name. — Tarapunga. 


Ad. similis L. scopidino, sed primariis alitcr notatis distinguendus. 

Adult. This form differs from Larus scopulinus only in having the bill, which is somewhat narrower, together 
with the legs and feet pale brown instead of being arterial red, and in the different markings of the primaries, 
which are as follows : the first primary is black, with a subapical hatchet-shaped mark of white, and a white 
tip ; the second and third have a narrow, somewhat irregular, elliptical mark of white, and a conspicuous 
white tip ; on the succeeding primaries the black progressively diminishes, but on the sixth it is reduced to 
two approximating spots on the opposite webs, divided by a white shaft-line. 

Variety. The Otago Museum contains a very perfect albino, obtained near Dunedin, and presented by- 
Mr. J. C. Fulton : bill and feet pale yellowish brown. 

Obs. It ought to be noted that the white markings on the primaries are somewhat inconstant, and taken alone 
would be an insufficient criterion for distinguishing the species. In an apparently fully adult specimen 
which I examined at Dunedin there was an insignificant white mark on the first and second primaries, and 
all the rest were black, answering pretty nearly to Mr. Saunders’s figure of the first three quills in the young 
of Larus novae hollandice. 


Me. Howaed Saundees, in his revision of the Larince (Proc. Zool. Soc. 1878, p. 187), says. 

“ Although very close to L. scopulinus of New Zealand, I think this species may fairly be distin- 


62 


guished by its larger size throughout, and by the greater amount of white mirror in the pattern of 
the three outer primaries.” My experience of the species does not exactly accord with this; for in 
all the specimens I have examined the size has not exceeded that of L. sco;puUnus, whilst the bill 
has been slightly narrower. As will he seen from my descriptive notes above, the markings on the 
primaries are somewhat variable, and therefore too inconstant, taken alone, to serve as a specific cha- 
racter. It appears to me that the pale brown colour of the bill and feet, which in the other species 
are arterial red all the year through, affords the safest criterion for distinguishing this bird. 

All the examples of this Gull I have hitherto met with have been collected on the Otago coast, 
in the southern portion of the colony. 

Mr. Saunders has courteously placed at my disposal the woodcuts by means of which he demon- 
strated the differences in the primaries of the three allied species. 



1. 2. 3. 

Three outer primarie.s of L. scopulinus, old. 



1. 2. 3. 

Three outer primaries of L. lulleri, nearly ad., from the type of 
Gavia pomare, Bruch, of 1855. 




b 2. 3. 

Three outer primaries of L. hulleri, old, from the type 
of L. melanorliynchus, BuUer. 


Order GAVI.51.] 


[Fam. LARID^. 


STEECORAEIUS ANTAECTICUS. 

(SOUTHERN SKUA.) 


Lestris catarractes, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. de I’llranie, Zool. p. 137 (1824). 
Lestris antarcticus, Less. Traite d’Orn. p. 616 (1831). 

Stercorarius antarcticus. Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 653 (1846). 

Cataracta antarctica, Bonap. C. E. xlii. p. 770 (1856). 

Megalestris antarcticus, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 206 (1857). 


$ ad. supra sordide cinerascenti-bruunea : subtus pallidior : scapularibus et tectricibus alarum paullo cinerascenti- 
albido variis : pileo colloque longitudinaliter pallid^ brunneo maculatis : collo postico flavicauti-bruuueo 
terminate : remigibus et rectrieibus obscure nigris versus basin albicantibus : rostro nigricanti-brunneo : 
pedibus nigris : iride nigra. 

Adult. General colour dull cinereous brown, darker on the upper parts, but relieved by touches of grey and light 
brown, especially on the upper wing-coverts and scapulars ; head and neck largely marked with pale brown; 
the feathers of the hind neck lanceolate in form, and with their terminal portion yellowish brown ; quills and 
tail-feathers dusky black, white in their basal portion ; in the closed wing the white is apparent on the pri- 
maries to the extent of an inch, but in the secondaries and tail-feathers it is concealed by the upper coverts. 
Irides and feet black ; bill blackish brown. Total length 25 inches ; wing, from flexure, 17 ; tail 7 ; bill, 
along the ridge 2-25, along the edge of lower mandible 2-5 ; bare tibia 1 ; tarsus 3 ; middle toe and claw 3‘1 ; 
hind toe and claw '5. 

Young. A bird of the year captured by Mr. Drew at the Wanganui heads differs in having the general plumage 
slaty brown, the scapulars only having terminal patches of light yellowish brown and whitish grey. There 
are no lanceolate feathers on the neck, and the basal white spot on the primaries is concealed by the over- 
lapping coverts. Bill uniform bluish black. 

Obs. The sexes are alike, but the amount of white on the primaries is variable, and some examples are more 
suffused w'ith brown on the neck and upper surface than others. A specimen from Dusky Bay has the white 
alular spots very conspicuous even in the closed wing, and one from Stewart^s Island is much lighter than 
ordinary examples, having the entire plumage tinged with brown, and the feathers of the nape and mantle 
broadly margined with yellowish brown. 


Mt original description of this fine Skua was taken from a specimen procured by Sir James Hector, 
who furnished me with the following note respecting it : — “ Female bird shot in Woodhen Cove, on 
the south side of Breaksea Sound. There was only one pair ; both were shot, but one skin was 
destroyed. Several others were seen at sea in company with the Albatros.” 

Numerous examples have since been obtained in both Islands. 

I had a live one in my possession for several years, and as this bird afforded me an opportunity of 
observing the habits of the species, under new conditions of life, I will venture to reproduce here, with 
a few additions, an account of it which I communicated to the Wellington Philosophical Society in 
September 1878 * : — 

“ The living example of this fine Skua-Gull, referred to in last year’s volume, is still an inhabitant 

* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. xi. pp. 373, 374. 


64 


of my garden, where, after much preliminary persecntion, it now tolerates the companionship of a young 
Sea-Gull {Larns dominicanus). The history of this bird is somewhat remarkable. About a year and 
a half ago it was captured somewhere in the vicinity of Kapiti, and came into the possession of the 
Hon. Wi Parata, who kept it in his marae till it became quite tame. Being injured in the wing it 
was unable to fly, but having made its escape, it travelled some ten miles up the coast, and was 
recaptured by some natives at Otaki. It remained there some three months, and then made a fresh 
start northwards. Its next stage was Horowhenua, where it was caught and taken inland to Hector 
McDonald’s homestead. Here it became an inmate of the farm-yard, and appeared to get quite 
reconciled to its changed mode of life. It fraternized with the dogs and poultry, sharing their food 
and occasionally devouring a chicken. But one day, after a fight with a rival turkey, in which it 
appeared to come off second-best, it travelled to the coast, a distance of some four miles, and then 
turned its head northwards again. A week or two later it was found near the mouth of the Manawatu 
river, and carried inland to Foxton. It commemorated its arrival by swallowing some ducklings and 
chickens. It was then passed on to a settler ‘ up in the bush,’ where it killed and devoured a well- 
grown pullet. I arrived just in time to prevent its being sacrificed to the anger of the good housewife. 
Thence it was deported by coach to Wellington, making its escape on the Manawatu sands, en route, 
and detaining Her Majesty’s mails while being recaptured. After keeping the bird caged for a few 
days I turned it loose in the garden, where it has remained for upwards of six months without any 
attempt to get away. Christened ‘ Peter ’ by the children, he has become quite tame and familiar, 
answering to his name and taking food from the hand. He has selected a sunny spot on high ground, 
as an outlook station by day and as a sleeping-place by night. He wanders over the place freely, 
looking for worms and grubs, and during the heat of the day seeks the shade of some bushy shrub. 
He is almost omnivorous, but gives the preference to fish and meat. On a dead bird being offered 
him he runs off with it in his beak, then holding it down with his feet, plucks the feathers off and 
devours the flesh. On throwing him a Blight-bird {Zosterops lateralis) he bolted it, feathers and all. 
On another occasion I gave him the body of a Dove Petrel [Prion turtur). He carried it off in his 
bill, tore off the feathers in an incredibly short space of time, crunched the wing-bones in his powerful 
bill, and then swallowed the whole, the extremities of the wings protruding from his mouth till the bird 
had fairly settled down in the Skua’s crop. His capacity for swallowing fish is something astonishing, 
his crop becoming greatly distended. He has the power of regurgitating his food, and will sometimes 
reproduce from his throat a bone of marvellous size, the wonder being how he ever managed to swallow 
it. Although not habitually a nocturnal bird, he sometimes gets very excited after dark, hurrying 
about the garden with outstretched wings and uttering a peculiar cry as if being suffocated. At other 
times he emits at intervals a note like the crowing of a Pheasant. During the day Peter is noiseless, 
except when quarrelling with the Sea-Gull or disputing possession of a bone with the dog, when he 
has a short peevish note, quickly repeated. His first encounter with a tame Cockatoo in the garden 
was quite ludicrous. He first played the role of assailant, but the moment his opponent erected his 
crest, Peter quailed and ran away. After this they established friendly relations with each other, 
often basking together in the sun, and drinking from the same fountain *. 

“ I have mentioned before that this capture is the first known instance of the occurrence of the 
Southern Skua in the North Island. I have lately, however, met with another on the West Coast. 
Travelling by coach we found one, apparently a male in full plumage, on the sandy beach, not far 
from the Otaki river. He was evidently worn out with fatigue, and would not rise till the coach was 
within a few yards of him ; then rising with a slow and laboured flight, he proceeded a few hundred 

* To the above full record of his life, I have nothing to add hut a notice of his death, a year later, which appeared to be 
the result of sheer old age. His obituary was communicated to me by my wife in the following terms : — “ Like a sensible bird 
he first had a hearty breakfast, then a bath, and then laid himself down in a comfortable place on the lawn and quietly died.” 


t 


65 


yards and alighted again on the beach, repeating the operation again and again till the coach reached 
the Paikakariki, a distance of some twenty miles. Any bird of ordinary intelligence would have made 
a circuit and got behind the pursuing coach. But the Skua ashore was evidently out of his latitude ; 
and this was made more apparent by the manner in which the Sea-Gulls (of both species), his hereditary 
victims at sea, pursued him in the air and buffeted him. As is well known, this bird usually subsists 
by plunder, pursuing the Gulls and compelling them to disgorge their food. Here, however, the 
conditions were changed, as I myself had an opportunity of observing from the box-seat. The Skua 
had alighted in a shallow beach-stream and was ducking its body in the water when a fine old Hawk 
{Circus (jouldi), with hoary white plumage, suddenly appeared from the sand-hills and swooped down 
upon the intruder. The Skua, without making any show of resistance, instantly disgorged from its 
crop the entire body of a Diving Petrel {Pelecanoides urmatrix). The Hawk, balancing himself for a 
moment with outspread tail, dropped his long talons into the stream and clutched up his prey without 
wetting a feather of his plumage, and then disappeared among the sand-hills, while the terrified Skua 
hurried off, only to be pursued again by the clamorous Sea-Gulls. Thus we have examples of 
‘ retributive justice ’ even among birds.” 

On the range of the three allied species of this larger form of Skua, Mr. Saunders writes : 

“ The northern species, S. catarrhactes, whose breeding-range stretches from the coast of Norway, 
the Faroes, and Iceland, away through the Nearctic region and the Pacific, appears to be nowhere 

numerically abundant, and is fast becoming exterminated in Europe It has occurred in 

California ; but descending that coast, we find no trace of a large Skua until we enter the fish-abound- 
ing, and therefore Gull-frequented, waters of Humboldt’s Current, which cools the coasts of Chili 
and Peru throughout a width of about 300 miles, and sweeps outwards to diminish the natural heat 
of the equatorial Galapagos Islands. In these productive waters is found a large Skua, S. cMlensis, 
separable from the northern 8. catarrhactes by its brighter and more chestnut underparts and 
axillaries — difierences which are constant, although it is true that they are merely those of colour. 
Its bill is perhaps a trifle more slender than that of the northern bird, a point which should be borne 
in mind, because on passing through the Straits of Magellan, where this species appears to stop, we 
come at once to another large Skua, 8. antarcticus, which, although in such close geographical 
proximity to 8. chilensis, yet differs far more from it than 8. chilensis does from 8. catarrhactes'. 
The Antarctic Skua ranges from the Falkland Islands down to the edge of the pack-ice, the shores of 
New Zealand, and up to Norfolk Island, and thence by way of the chain of Kerguelen Island, St. 
Paul’s Island, the Crozets, &c., it reaches the Cape of Good Hope and, as a straggler, Madagascar. 
From the Cape it works round by Tristan d’Acunha and the South Atlantic islands, till the chain is 
completed at the Falklands again. 8. antarcticus is a uniformly dusky bird, with stronger and shorter 
bill than either of its near relatives.” (Journ. Linn. Soc., Zool. vol. xiv. pp. 392, 393.) 

The flight of this bird is heavy, and performed by slow regular flappings of the wings, with the 
shoulders much arched. It possesses, however, the faculty of turning quickly in the air, as I observed 
when the Gulls were in pursuit. On the wing the white mark across the primaries is very conspicuous, 
but it is not sufficiently apparent to distinguish the bird when the body is at rest. 

In the Otago Museum there are two eggs of this Skua, which differ appreciably. Although of 
similar size, one is narrower or more elliptical than the other, measuring 3T inches in length by 2 in 
breadth ; of a pale, creamy-brown colour, blotched all over the surface, and pretty equally, with 
blackish and purplish brown. On one side these blotches are confluent, and they are generally darker 
towards the middle circumference. This specimen was collected at Campbell Island. The other, 
which came from Macquarie Island, is more ovoid, measuring 3 inches by 2 ’2, and is of a dull olive- 
brown sparingly blotched with dark brown, the intervening spaces being marked with small, irregular 
spots of the same colour, more or less distinct. 

VOL. II. 


K 


Oedek GAVI^.J 


[Fam. LAKID^. 


STEECOEARIUS CEEPIDATUS. 

(RICHARDSON^S SKUA.) 


Lams crepidatus, Gmelin, Syst. Nat. i. p. G02 (1788). 

Stercomrius crepidatus, Vieill. N. Diet. d’Hist. Nat. xxxii. p. 155 (1819). 

Lestris ricliardsonii, Swains. Fauna Bor.-Am. p. 4.33, pi. 73 (1831). 

Lestris parasiticus^ Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 208 (1857, nee Linn.). 

Lestris longicaudata, Finsch, J. £ O. 1872, p. 126 (nee Briss.). 

Stercorarius parasiticus, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 268 (1873, nec Linn.). 


Ad. (exempl. ex N. Z.) suprk cinerascenti-brunneus, teetricibus alarum saturatioribus, supracaudalibus exterioribus 
versus basin albicantibus : pileo summo pallidius brunneo, plumis albicante obsolete terminatis : facie 
laterali, gula et collo postico albis, plumis versus apicem brunnescentibus : corpore reliquo subtds albo, 
liypochondriis cum crisso et subcaudalibus cinerascenti-bruimeo lavatis ; subalaribus et axillaribus cinera- 
sccuti-brunneis : remigibus brunneis, extus nigricantibus, iiitus ad basin albidis, scapis brunnescenti-albis, 
exteriorum pure albis, secundariis intimis dorso concoloribus : cauda saturate brunne^ : rostro saturate 
brunneo ; pedibus cinerascenti-nigris : iride nigra. 

Ad. Crown, nape, and sides of the head dull greyish brown ; neek all round, breast, and sides of the body 
greyish white ; shoulders, and all the npper surfaee, dark olivaeeous grey of different shades ; primaries 
and tail-feathers blackish brown, the former with white shafts ; inner surface of wings, axillary plumes, and 
abdomen ashy grey tinged with brown ; some of the under tail-coverts uniform ashy grey, others white 
barred with grey. Irides black ; bill dark brown ; tarsi and toes greyish black, the claws darker. Length 
16'5 inches ; extent of wings 38; wing, from flexure, 11‘75 ; tail 5'5 ; bill, along the ridge 1‘2, along the 
edge of lower mandible 1'7 ; bare tibia '5 ; tarsus 1‘6; middle toe and claw 1'6. 

Young (N.-Z. example) . General upper surface blackish brown, more or less varied with pale brown and fulvous, 
many of the feathers having pale margins ; crown of the head and hind neck brownish grey, the former with 
narrow linear black markings, and the hind neck washed with fulvous brown ; the edges of the wings 
speckled with uFite ; the upper tail-coverts fulvous wFite, each feather with two broad irregular bars of 
brownish black ; primaries brownish black with white shafts, also white on their inner webs towards the 
base ; tail-feathers brownish black, perceptibly darker towards the tips, and pure white at the base under 
the coverts ; entire nnder surfaee greyish white, thickly speckled and freckled on the fore neck, breast, and 
abdomen with brown ; the axillary plumes, the sides of the body, and the under tail-coverts washed more or 
less with fulvons, and marked with broad, transverse, somewhat unequal, bars of blackish brown. Bill 
greyish black ; legs and feet brownish black, with a conspicuous yellow spot towards the base of the inner 
interdigital web. 

Obs. In the adult example described above, the two middle tail-feathers are being reproduced, and present a 
remarkable denuded appearance (see woodcut in Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. xi. p. 358). In the young bird the 
tail-feathers are broad and acuminate, the two middle ones extending about half an inch beyond the rest. 

The above description of the adult is taken from an example shot by myself on the sea-beach at 
Horowhenua, in the provincial district of Wellington, on the 30th of April, 1864, and presented to 
the Colonial Museum with the rest of my original collection. 

When I published my former edition this was the only known instance of its occurrence in New 


67 


Zealand. Three subsequent cases have been recorded. A young bird in the flesh, received by Sir 
James Hector at the Colonial Museum, was noticed by me at the time, in the ‘ Transactions of the New- 
Zealand Institute’ (vol. vii. p. 225); another young bird was shot in Wellington harbour in January 
1877 ; and a third example, in more mature plumage, was picked up on the beach at Cape Campbell, 
by Mr. C. H. Hobson, in November 1877. The two last- mentioned specimens being in my collection, I 
was able to submit them to Mr. Howard Saunders, who unhesitatingly referred them to Stercorarius 
crepidatus, and I feel bound to accept the determination by one who has made this group of birds 
his special study *. 

On comparing the two adult birds there is a manifest difference in the coloration, the one 
described above having the breast greyish white, and the abdomen ashy-grey tinged with brown, 
whilst the other has the entire under surface white, marked on the breast and sides with interrupted 
bars of sooty brown. In both, however, the under surface of the wings and the axillary plumes are 
of a uniform dark ashy grey. These individual differences are thus accounted for by Mr. Saunders 
in treating of S. crepidatus (P. Z. S. 1876, pp. 328, 329) : — “ It is now well known that there are two 
very distinct plumages to be found in birds of this species, even in the same breeding-places — an 
entirely sooty form, and one with light underparts, — and that white-breasted birds pair with whole- 
coloured birds as well as with those of their respective varieties. If this species is ‘ dimorphic,’ the 
offspring of one particoloured and one white-coloured bird ought to resemble one or other of their 
parents without reference to sex ; my examination of upwards of a hundred specimens from widely 
different localities and in all stages inclines me to the belief that this is not the case, and that the young 
of such union will be intermediate, whilst the offspring of two similar parents will ‘ breed true.’ This 
point can only be solved by some ornithologist who will devote his attention to a colony during the 
breeding-season, observing the produce of all these unions, and, if possible, marking the nestlings 
before they take wing. ... It is worthy of notice that in Spitzbergen, its most northern breeding- 
ground, neither Dr. Malmgren nor Professor Newton found a single example of the dark whole- 
coloured form ; all those which Admiral Collinson’s and Dr. Kae’s Expeditions brought home from 
the far north are also white-breasted specimens, which looks as if the dark form was a more 
exclusively southern one.” 

* In my former edition I referred the first-named example to Stercorarius parasiticus, Linn., and added the following 
remarks : — “Dr. Pinsch, to whom I submitted the skin, is of opinion that it is an immature bird ; and Hr. Howard Saunders, 
who has made the Laridxe his special study', expresses his conviction that it is a new and hitherto undescribed species. I am 
rather disposed, however, to consider it an aged female of the species known as Buffon’s Skua, with the plumage much faded and 
worn, indicating a sick or exhausted condition of body. I may add that the two middle tail-feathers are only partially developed, 
being encased in a sheath at the base. They extend only about an inch beyond the rest, and are much abraded, having a 
peculiar filamentous appearance.” 

Professor Hutton, adopting another view, wrote to me :■ — “ Your Lestris is no European bird, but appears to be a represen- 
tative of the Arctic Skua. I think it is a young bird.” 

Commenting on my account of this bird, Mr. Saunders, in his paper on the Stercorariince (P. Z. S. 1876, p. 330), said : — “ His 
general description suits S. m'epidatm ■, and he expressly states that the shafts of the primaries are white, the characteristic which 
particularly serves to distinguish it from Button’s Skua, with which he has identified it. At the time that I examined the specimen 
in question I was not aware of this distinctive feature ; the skin also had been badly preserved ; and, to make matters worse, the 
plumage was so worn and abraded that it is a marvel that the bird was able to fly at all.” Referring thereto, in a communica- 
tion which I afterwards made to the Wellington Philosophical Society', I observed : — 

“ Mr. Saunders has evidently, in this case, trusted more to his memory than to tho notes which, we may assume, he would 
make on examining a novel specimen — one which, in fact, ho took to be ‘ a new and hitherto undescribed species.’ It will be 
seen, at a glance, that the specimen now before the meeting (which passed through Mr. Saunders’s hands in the same condition) 
instead of being a ‘ badly-prepared ’ skin is a first-class cabinet specimen, and that, instead of having ‘ the plumage so worn and 
abraded as to make it a marvel that the bird could fly at all,’ the wings are in perfect plumage, tho only abraded feathers 
being about the head and neck, which could not well affect the flydug capabilities of the bird.” (Trans. Rew-Zealand Inst, 
vol. xi. p. 356.) 

K 2 


Oedee GAVIiE.] 


[Fait. STERNIDtE. 


STEENA EEONTALIS 

(WHITE-FRONTED TERN.) 


Sterna frontalis. Gray, Voy. Ereb. and lerr., Birds, p. 19 (1844). 
Sterna alhifrons, Peale, U.S. Expl. Exped., Birds, p. 279 (1848). 
Sterna atripes, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7473. 

Sterna longipennis, Finsch, J. f. 0. 1867, p. 339. 


Native name— Tara ; “ Sea-Swallow ” of the colonists. 


Ad. piil. mtiv. supr^ albicanti-cinereus, remigibus cano lavatis, primarii primi pogonio externo uigro, peimis minori- 
bus ad apicem late albis, reliquis intus versus apiceni albis : caud^ alba: capite et nucha mgris, fronte et 
facie laterali albis: subtusalbus: rostro nigro, ad basin brunnescente : pedibus rufescentbbrunneis : iride 

nigra. 

Ad. piil. heim. similis ptilosi a;stiv^, sed fronte alU latiore et vertice plus minusve albo vario. 

Juv. capite cineraseenti-nigro, albido vario: supr^ dilute cinereus, obseure nigricante fasciatus et notatus: teetrici- 
bus alarum minimis nigricantibus. 


Ad^llt in summer. Crown of tbe bead and nape blaek ; a band immediately over tbe bill, tbe lores, and cbeeks 
pure white j back and upper surface of wings pale ashy grey; tbe rest of the plumage pure white; the breast 
and sides of the body often suffused with a delieate rosy tint, which fades after death. Irides and hil black ; 
legs and feet reddish brown. Length 16 inehes; extent of wings 33 ; wing, from flexure, 11 ; tail 7 (the 
middle feather 3 inches shorter) ; bill, along the ridge 1-6, along the edge of lower mandible 2-2o ; bare tibia 
•4; tarsus '6 ; middle toe and claw IT. 

AiuU in ,ointer. DifFe.^ in haring the white frontal hand n.ore extended, and the black crown more or leaa 
varied or spotted with white. 


Young Forehead, erown of the head, and nape greyish black, obscurely spotted or mottled with white ; the whole 
of the back, the feathers eomposing the mantle, and some of the larger wing-coverts dark silvery grey, 
variedwith white, and handsomely mottled and barred with dusky or greyish black; the smaller wing- 
coverts uniform greyish black, except along the edge of the wing, where they become white; underparts 
silky white, as in the adult. The barred character is most conspicuous on the scapulars and long inner 
secondaries ; and both these and the tail-feathers have creseent-shaped markings near the tips. 


Nestling. Covered with huffy-white down, tinged with fulvous on the head and neck, and mottled with grey on 
the back. 


Fledgling. Feathers of the back and the scapulars greyish white, with broad crescentic marks of black ; wing- 
coverts prettily variegated with black; the down on the back huffy white, mottled and marbled with dark 
grey; wing-feathers (half an inch in length) silvery grey, broadly margined with white. 

Obs. I have noticed in a bird so young that it was unable to fly the same roseate tint mentioned in tbe descrip- 
tion of the adult. 


This elegant species is extremely abundant on our coasts, flocks of flve hundred or more being often met 





WHITE-FRONTED TERN B L A C K - F R 0 N T E D TERN. 

, STERNA ANTARCTICA. 


STERNA FRONTALIS 


(ONE -HALF NATURAL SIZE.j 












69 


with on the sand-banks at the river-mouths in association with Gulls and other shore-birds of various 
kinds. The term “ Sea-Swallow,” as applied to this Tern, is a very appropriate one ; for on watching 
the evolutions of a flock of these birds one is forcibly reminded of a flight of Swallows coursing in the 
air. Their aerial manceuvres are truly beautiful ; and the apparent ease with which they dip into 
the water and capture their flnny prey cannot fail to interest an observer. They usually alight on the 
sandy beach near the edge of the water, and stand, always facing the wind, so closely packed that 
thirty or forty may be obtained at a single shot. They shufile about with a constant low twittering, 
and occasionally stretch their wdngs upwards to their full extent, presenting a very pretty appearance. 
When tired at, or otherwise alarmed, the whole flock rises simultaneously in the air in a vortex of 
confusion, crossing and recrossing each other as they continue to hover over the spot, producing at 
the same time a perfect din with their sharp cries of ke-ke-Tce. But if approached quietly they mount 
into the air, not confusedly but commencing at the nearest point and rising in succession, like a 
lifting net, then hover in lines that intersect each other in all directions, but without any contact, 
their black caps conspicuous, and the snowy whiteness of their plumage making them gleam in the 
sunlight like a shoal of flying-fish. When passing from one feeding-ground to another they close 
their forked tails, and perform a direct and rapid flight, often at a considerable elevation. 

Some years ago, when exploring among the shoals and sand-banks of the great Kaipara heads or 
basin, I observed thousands of these birds ; and in this wild and unfrequented part of the coast they 
were so fearless that they coursed about our boat within a few feet of our heads, and the discharge of 
a gun among them only tended to increase their apparent interest in us. 

This species of Tern breeds in large colonies, as many as 200 or more being sometimes associated 
together. My son Percy observed in December a vast crowd of them on a small rocky island near 
the Taranaki Sugar Loaves. This is a favourite breeding-ground, and the birds were so closely packed 
that from the deck of the steamer they presented the appearance of a fall of snow. On one occasion 
the crew of the ‘ Hinemoa ’ landed at this place, and collected several bucketsful of the eggs. 

On the small island of Motiti I found a large community of them occupying one end of it, and 
the Bed-billed Gull the other, the two nesting-places being as far apart as possible. On the high 
intervening ground Lams dominicanus had established a breeding-place, as already mentioned. 

On its nesting-ground being invaded this Tern shows fight in a very determined manner, coming 
in a bee-line for the intruder’s face, till within about a couple of feet, and then darting off at a sharp 
angle with a snapping cry of remonstrance. Captain Fairchild has known them even bolder, and has 
had his hat knocked off by the rapid action of their wings. By the end of February the young birds 
have joined the general community on the sand-banks, but they may be easily distinguished by the 
dark plumage of their upper surface and by their more sibilant cry. The eggs are deposited on the 
bare rock, often within reach of the sea-spray ; and, as a rule, there are two eggs to each nest. 
They are usually of an elegant ovoido-conical form, measuring 1’9 inch in length by 1-3 in breadth; 
and they present great beauty and diversity in their colouring. The ground-tint varies from a clear 
greyish white to a delicate greyish green, and from a pale yellowish brown to a dark cream-colour. 
They are marked and spotted with purplish and dark brown in every variety of character : some have 
the entire surface studded with clear rounded spots, occasionally confluent ; others have the marks 
broad and irregular ; while in some examples they are spread into large dark blotches, covering a 
great portion of the surface. Some specimens are freckled all over with light brown, and splashed 
at intervals with darker brown ; others have a smudged appearance, as though an attempt had been 
made to obliterate the markings. In the Canterbury Museum there is a curious example, having 
the entire surface covered with marbled veins of dark brown ; and another (collected by Mr. Fullei 
on the Waimakariri beach) is of a delicate pinkish-brown tint, with a broad zone of confluent spots 
towards the larger end, and numerous scattered specks of a rich reddish-brown colour. 


Oedek GAVU3.] 


[Yam. STEENID^. 


STEENA ANTARCTICA. 

(BLACK-FRONTED TERN.) 


Sterna antarctica, Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 1223. 

Hydrochelidon alhostriata. Gray, Voy. Ereb. aud Terr., Birds, p. 19, pi. 21 (1844). 

Stei'nula antarctica, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 773 (1856). 

Hydrochelidon albistriata, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 773 (1856). 

Sterna cinerea, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7473. 

Hydrochelidon hyhrida, Finsch, J. f. O. 1867, p. 347. 

Native name. — Tara. 

Ad. astiv. supra saturate cinereus, uropygio conspicufe albo : capite summo nuchaque nigris : line^ facial! a rostri 
basi directe per regioncm paroticam ducta, albd : genis et corpore subtus toto pulcbre cinereis, subcaudalibus 
albis : remigibus extus cinerascentibus, iutus albis, scapis albis, primario prime extus nigricante : cauda 
dilutb cinere^j rectricibus versus basin albis, rectrice extimS, fere omnino albfl, versus apicem cinerascente : 
rostro Isetb flavo : pedibus Isete flavis, unguibus saturate brunneis : iride nigra. 

Ad. hiem. similis ptilosi Eestivse, sed fronte et pileo cinerascenti-albis, nigro variis. 

Juv. pileo summo et lateral! saturate cinerascentibus : lined a basi rostri per oculum ducta et ad torquem nuchalem 
angustam conjuncta nigricante, albo varid : tectricibus alarum, scapularibus et secundariis intimis brunneo 
subterminaliter notatis : rostro nigro, versus apicem brunnescente : pedibus sordide flavis. 

Adult in summer. Top and sides of the bead and nape velvety black j from the gape a broad streak of white 
passes under the eyes, and is continued to the nape, forming a border to the black plumage ; upper and 
lower tail-coverts pure white ; the rest of the body beautiful pearl-grey, darker on the upper surface ; wing- 
feathers darker grey, with white shafts, the first primary margined on the outer web with dusky black ; 
tail-feathers dark pearl-grey, the outermost ones inclining to white, and all of them white on their under 
surface. Irides black ; bill bright yellow, sometimes shaded with brown towards the base of the upper 
mandible ; legs and feet bright yellow, the claws dark brown. Total length 12 inches ; wing, from fiexure, 
10-25; tail 4-5 (middle feather 1-75 inch shorter); bill, along the ridge I'l, along the edge of lower 
mandible 1'5 ; tarsus '6; middle toe and claw 1 ; hind toe and claw -2. 

Adult in winter. Differs only in having the forehead and crown greyish white, mottled with black. 

Young. Top and sides of the head dark ash-grey ; the lores, a mark beyond the eyes (sometimes the vertex), 
and a narrow nuchal collar obscurely mottled with black; throat whitish; upper wing-coverts, scapulars, 
and long inner secondaries with a subterminal mark of brown, and with paler tips ; the rest of the plumage 
as in the adult. Bill black, inclining to light brown towards the base ; legs and feet dull yellow. 

Younger state. Crown and nape greyish brown mottled with black ; a small spot of black in front of the eyes, 
and a larger one behind covering the ears and spreading outwards ; plumage of the upper parts much darker 
than in the adult ; upper wing-coverts, scapulars, and inner secondaries blackish brown, darker towards the 
end and terminally margined with dull ochreous yellow ; tail-feathers blackish brown in their apical portion 
and narrowly tipped with white ; underparts clouded with grey ; throat, part of fore neck, and under tail- 
coverts pure white. Bill brown, changing to yellow towards the base of lower mandible. 


71 


This handsome Tern is very common in every part of the South Island, but is not so plentiful to the 
north side of Cook’s Strait. 

In the Canterbury Province it is particularly abundant, frequenting all the river-courses, and 
often spreading far over the plains. Within a few miles of the city of Christchurch I have observed 
it, in large flights, following the farmer’s plough and picking up grubs and worms from the newly 
turned earth. I once saw a Hawk swoop down amongst a flock occupied in this manner and single 
out a bird for pursuit, but tbe active Tern easily evaded its enemy and then returned to its occupa- 
tion behind the plough. It also frequents the cornfields and pastures, and, by devouring caterpillars 
and other insect pests, proves itself a valuable friend to the agriculturist. 

It is remarkably active on the wing, performing very rapid evolutions, and often chasing its 
fellows in a playful manner and with much vociferation. When resting on the ground, the members 
of a flock stand closely packed together, and may be seen constantly stretching their wings upwards 
in the peculiar manner already noticed in treating of Sterna frontalis . 

There is a spot of great beauty on the Waikato river where theKarapiro creek empties its placid 
waters into the turbulent stream of the “ tua-whenua.” The place I refer to is just below the bridge 
on the outskirts of the township of Cambridge — the furthest point on the river navigable for steamers. 
Immediately below this bridge there is a rocky obstruction in the bed of the river which causes an 
eddy of considerable force and velocity. The basin below is comparatively smooth, the river widening 
again at this point ; and the banks, clothed with rank verdure, rise abruptly on both sides of the 
Waikato. Beyond are the well-kept homesteads of the settlers and far away in the background the 
rugged outlines of Maungakawa and Pukekura. In this picturesque spot, for the best part of a fine 
Sunday afternoon in spring, my thoughts absorbed “ with the fairy tales of science and the long result 
of time,” I watched a pair of these birds disporting in the air. For hours together they coursed 
up and down this little reach in the river, never once dipping to the stream — indeed the water was 
too rapid at this point to allow of surface fish being found there: high above the water, now with a 
winnowing Pigeon-flight, now hovering a moment in the air — rising and falling with the play of 
their changeful fancy — coursing first up stream to near the bridge, then wheeling round ; sometimes 
skimming low at the place where the rapids were boiling over their rocky bed, as if to take a closer 
observation, and then, on reaching the bend in the river, sharply wheeling back again; and so on 
and on, now higher now lower, regulating their more rapid actions by a dexterous movement of their 
swallow-tails, and at every turn showing the snowy whiteness of their tail-coverts and their lovely 
coral bills. So these pretty fairy beings for hours together, without a rest and apparently for sheer 
enjoyment, continued to beat the air with their pointed pinions, seldom uttering a sound except 
when in close proximity to each other, and then Ice-e was the simple watchword. 

From watching these aerial performers in their fantastic flight till the sun had declined and its 
shadows had vanished, I ascended the high bank overlooking the river and witnessed one of those 
gorgeous sunsets on the Pirongia range for which this part of the North Island is so justly celebrated. 
No artist’s brush can depict the glory nor human tongue describe the splendour of this sunset display. 
Presenting to the eye mountains of burnished gold in a sea of matchless colours and brilliant effects, 
the illusion lasts but a little while and then melts away in ever-varying coruscations of golden light 
till the sky is bathed in a soft grey twilight, to be quickly succeeded by the shades of night. Even 
Mr. Procter, the famous astronomer, declares that although in the sunset displays of America and 
Australia he has seen colours more striking, yet “ for combined beauty and grandeur ” the sunset 
which he once witnessed in New Zealand surpassed anything he had ever seen. 

From Hamilton Bridge, lower down the river, on a subsequent occasion, I watched a pair of 
these Terns engaged in the more serious business of fishing. Here, again, nothing could be more 
pretty than the arrowy flight of this bird up and down the stream. Skimming near the surface and 


72 


almost touching the water, it would ever and anon poise itself in the air for a few seconds, as if to 
take steady aim, and then drop upon its finny prey — a small kind of Qalaxias. Immediately on 
capturing this it would sweep upwards so as to have some xfiay in the air as the little fish fell from 
its beak and had to be caught again in the right position for swallowing. Up and down the open 
reach these birds kept up this untiring flight for hours together, their lively grey and white plumage 
shown oif to the best advantage against the dark banks and deep waters of the Waikato. 

On one occasion, however, when travelling in the Lower Waikato, I observed a very considerable 
flock in a meadow quite close to the railway-line, where several ploughs were at work. I have also 
met with smaller flocks at Onehunga, Maketu, Hastings North, and at the mouths of the Eangitikei 
and Wanganui rivers. 

Mr. Kirk writes that the local name of this bird, in the neighbourhood of Cape Kidnappers, is 
the “ Plough-bird ” or “ Plough-boy,” given on account of the persistent manner in which it follows 
the farmer’s plough for the purpose of picking up the grubs and worms that are exposed in this 
operation. 

On the habits of this species far inland. Captain Mair has sent me the following interesting 

note ; “ During the calm summer evenings in December, 1879, I observed hundreds of these little 

birds flying round the clumps of black birch trees which here and there dot the course of the Takia- 
huru stream, running through the Murimotu-karioi plain on the S.E. base of Kuapehu mountain. 
My curiosity being aroused, I climbed to the top of one of these trees, just after sunset, and obtained 
a close view of these birds hovering round the trees, and ever and anon darting hither and thither, 
very much in the zigzag manner in which bats pursue their prey. I found that the birds were 
chasing small moths, beetles, &c., and now and then when a large green beetle came booming along 
in its flight from the plain seeking a resting-place in the trees, a score of these pretty little birds 
would dart after it, uttering soft plaintive cries, till one more lucky than the rest carried off the prize. 
Both in that month and in the preceding one I found numbers of the young of this species lying, or 
squatting, on the sand-banks far up the course of the Whangaehu river.” 

Like the other Terns * this species breeds in colonies, placing its eggs (usually two in number) on 
the bare ground, without any attempt at forming a nest. It defends its breeding-place with a 
considerable amount of spirit, darting towards the intruder’s head, and uttering at the same time its 
harsh cry. The eggs are of an elegant ovoi do-conical form, measuring 1'6 inch in length by 1'2 in 
breadth ; and they present a considerable amount of diversity in their colouring and markings, varying 
from a pale yellowish brown to a dull olive, and marked over the entire surface with blackish brown, 
the spots being generally more numerous at the thicker end, but sometimes confluent in the middle, 
forming an irregular blotched zone. A specimen in the Canterbury Museum has the ground-colour 
of a pale greenish white, minutely speckled all over, but particularly at the thick end, with purplish 
brown ; another (collected on the 22nd of October) has the entire surface covered with small round 
spots. One of the specimens in my son’s collection is somewhat ellip to- conical in form, measuring 
1’9 inch in length by 1’25 in breadth, and is of a pale cream-colour, thickly and irregularly spotted 
with blackish brown, in different shades, over the entire surface. 

* Respecting Sterna frontalis Mr. Percy SejTnoiu' writes to me: — “ On the 22nd November I examined about a thousand 
nests of this species on Tomahawk Island, Otago Peninsrda. Eggs two and three in number. This cannot be accounted for, as 
Mr. Potts suggests, by supposing that more than one bird laid in one neat. In one instance two very peculiar eggs were found 
in the same nest ; they were of a pinkish colour, and spotted with red, very unlike the other eggs of this species. It is alto- 
gether outside the bounds of probability that the only two eggs of this description, out of more than two thousand eggs altogether, 
should by a coincidence have been laid by two different birds. A few of the nests contained only one egg each, but in these 
cases the eggs were usually fresh, while in the other nests they were more or less incubated.” 


Oedee GAVIJ3.] 


[Fam. STERNID^. 


STEENA CASPIA. 

(CASPIAN TERN.) 


Sterna tschegram, Lepechin, N. Comm. Petrop. xiv. p. 500 (1769). 

Sterna caspia, Pallas, N. Comm. Petrop. xiv. p. 582 (1769). 

Sterna megarhipichos, Meyer and Wolf, Taschenb. deutsch. Vogelk. ii. p. 4.57 (1810). 

Thalasseus casinus, Boie, Isis, 1822, p. 563. 

Ilydroprogne caspia, Kaiip, Natiirl. Syst. p. 91 (1829). 

Syloclielidon halthica, Brehm, Vdg. Deutscbl. p. 769 (1831). 

Sterna scMllingii, Brehm, tom. cit. p. 770 (1831). 

Syloclielidon casjna, Brehm, tom. cit. p. 770 (1831). 

Helopus caspius, Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 1224. 

Thalassites melanotis, Swains. B. of W. Afr. ii. p. 253 (1837). 

Syloclielidon strenuus, Gould, P. Z. S. 1846, p. 21. 

Syloclielidon melanotis, Bonap. C. Ii. xlii. p. 772 (1856). 

Sterna melanotis, Hartl. Orn. Westafr. p. 254 (1857). 

Sterna vulgaris, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7472. 

Thalasseus imperator. Cones, Pr. Phil. Acad. 1862, p. 538. 

Native name. — Tara-nui. 

Ad> ptil. astiv. supra dilute cinereus, uropygio et supracaudalibus albis : cauda albA : tectricibus alarum dorso 
concoloribus : remigibus extus caueseentibus, primariis versus apicem saturatioribus, scapis albis, pennis 
miuoribus et secundai’iis dorsalibus pallide cinereis : pdeo et nucha cristata uigris : facie laterali a narium 
basi ducta cum collo laterali et corpore subtus toto albis : rostro Ijete eorallino, flavo vario, versus apicem 
brunnescente, apice ipsa cornea : pedibus nigricanti-brunneis ; iride nigra. 

Ad. ptil. hum. similis ptilosi sestivse, sed pileo albo minute nigro striolato. 

Adult in summer. Forehead and upper part of the head, described by a line from the posterior edge of the nasal 
groove, on each side, passing immediately under the eyes, and meeting in an acuminate point below the 
occiput, satiny black ; back, rump, and upper surface of wings and tail delicate silvery grey ; primaries 
darker grey, with white shafts ; the rest of the plumage pearly white. Irides black ; bill beautiful coral-red, 
mixed with yellow, and shaded with brown near the tips of both mandibles, which are horn-coloured ; legs 
and feet blackish brown. Length 22 inches; extent of wings 53; wing, from flexure, 16'35 ; tail 6 '25 
(middle feather 1'5 shorter) ; bill, along the ridge 3‘6, along the edge of lower mandible 3‘6 ; bare tibia ‘5 ; 
tarsus 1’75 ; middle toe and claw 1’5. 

Adult in winter. Differs in having the black plumage of the head largely spotted with white, especially on the 
forehead and lores. 

Obs. At the breeding-season this bird has the plumage suffused with an extremely delicate roseate hue, which 
fades away after life is extinct, but does not wholly disappear from the preserved skin. 

Young. Has the vertex and crown similar to the adult in winter, but the white preponderating, and the coronal 
cap extending halfway down the cheeks ; the primaries are sooty grey, and the wing-coverts greyish brown 
with paler edges. Bill reddish brown. 

VOL. II. 


L 


74 


Note. Dr. Elliott Coues^ in his “ Review of the Terns of North America ” (Proc. Phil. Acad. 1. c.), makes the 
following remarks on the synonymy of this species ; — “ The proper specific appellation of the Caspian Tern 
is not ‘ caspia, Pallas/ hut ‘ tschegrava, Lepechin/ which latter name is proposed in the same work in which 
Pallas calls the bird ‘ caspia; but has priority by several pages. As, however, the word is not only barbarous, 
hut exceedingly cacophonous, and especially as caspia has become so well established by common consent, I 
do not think it would be expedient to supersede Pallas’s name in view of the very slight priority of that 
of Lepechin.” 

The history of this fine Tern has already been so fully written that I deem it almost sufficient to 
record here that it occurs all round the New-Zealand coasts, where its habits are the same as in other 
parts of the globe. It inhabits the Palsearctic and the greater part of the Nearctic Regions, also 
the African, Indian, and Australian coasts. It is a rare summer visitant to the eastern and southern 
shores of England. 

It is usually met with in pairs ; but I have occasionally observed parties of five or more 
resting on the sands near the mouths of our tidal rivers. It subsists entirely on small fish, for 
which it plunges into the water with considerable force ; and at certain seasons it is accustomed 
to follow the shoals of sprats far up the river-courses, where it may be seen hovering lightly over the 
water in pursuit of its finny prey, and occasionally alighting to rest on a jutting stump or projecting 
point of rock. I have seen one capture a small flounder, and kill it by battering before swallowing 
it. It often makes several feints at the water before dropping into it ; but the biid never misses its 
aim, and on rising again with a fish usually takes a wide sweep on the vving Avhilst stowing it away in 
its capacious crop. I have observed that, on the wing, this species does not move its head to and fro 
in the manner of the smaller Terns, but carries it vertically, with its powerful beak pointing down- 
wards. lAhen resting on the ground the apparently disproportionate head gives the bird an ungainly 
appearance ; but this disappears the moment the wings are expanded ; and the flight, which is 
generally performed in wide circles, may be described as "Very easy and giaceful. It is less active, 
however, ou the wing than the smaller Terns. Nevertheless it appears to have the most perfect self- 
control ; for example, I observed one pursuing a direct flight up a river-course, at a high elevation, 
when it met another coming in the opposite direction at a lower level. Moved by some sudden 
impulse it abruptly and quickly wheeled right-about, dropped to the lower plane, and succeeded 
in overtaking the other bird. Meriting of it, the Earl of Pembroke says . “The Tern, if the sea be 
smooth, has a neat little way of picking up small morsels from the surface, and, if necessary, makes a very 
respectable Gannet-like splash ; never, however, as far as I have seen, immersing himself, and always 
keeping his wings in motion to get him up again. Its ordinary cry is harsh and unmusical, consisting 
of a loud rasping note, not unlike the low cry of the domestic Goose 5 at other times it utters a 
long peevish squeal or whistling cry, fairly represented by the syllables queed-queed. When resting 
on the sands it is habitually silent, but always utters its guttural cry when preparing to take wing. 

The breeding-season of this species extends from November to January. The young birds, 
however, follow their parents up to the end of March, settling down with them on the sands, 
quivering their wings as if impatient of attention, and making an incessant squealing or whining cry. 
The eggs, usually two in number, are deposited on the bare sand, a slight hollow in the surface 
meeting the requirements of a nesting-place. They are ovoido-conical in form, measuring 2 I inches 
in length by I '9 in breadth, and varying from creamy white to a delicate greenish-white tint, the 
whole surface marked with spots and blotches of dark brown, intermixed with pale splashes of purple, 
these markings being most numerous at the thicker end. It should be mentioned, however, that, as 
in the case of other Terns, the eggs ^aresent some variety both as to size and colour ; there is a speci- 
men in the Canterbury Museum (of a pale yellowish-brown tint, thickly marked and spotted with 
dark brown) which measures only 2'4 inches by I' 6 . 


Oeder GAVIuE.] 


[Fam. STEllNIDAE. 


STEENA NEEEIS. 

(LITTLE WHITE TERN.) 


Sternula nereis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1842, p. 140. 

Sterna parva, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7473. 

Sterna nereis, Pelz. Verb, zool.-bot. Gesellscb. Wien, xvii. p. 818 (1867). 
Sterna minuta, Finscb, J. f. O. 1867, pp. 337, 347. 

Native name. — Tara-iti. 


Ad. ptil. (Bstiv. supra dilute cinereus, tectricibus alarum dorso coneoloribiis : remigibus intus albis, extus cauo 
lavatis, primariis duobus externis extus nigricantibus, scapis albis, pennis minoribus versus apicem albis, 
secundariis intimis dorso concoloribus, dorso postico et uropygio cum supracaudalibus albis : cauda alba ; 
pileo postico et nucha cum regione oculari et supraparotica nigris : fronte lata, genis et facie laterali et 
corpore siibtbs toto albis : rostro Isete flavido : pedibus flavis, unguibus nigricantibus : iride nigra. 

Ad. ptil. hiem. similis ptilosi sestivcC, scd pileo summo albo nigro vario ; nucha nigrtl. 

Juv. fronte et pileo cinerascenti- albis fuscescente variis : line& crescente ab oculo postico circk nucham producta 
nigra : suprk dilute cinereus, plumis versus apicem fascik irregulari brunnek transnotatis : rostro flavicanti- 
brunneo ; pedibus sordide flavis. 

Adult in summer. Forehead and along the base of upper mandible white ; spot in front of each eye, crown of the 
head, and nape black ; throat, fore neck, and all the under surface silvery white ; hind neck, shoulders, 
back, and upper surface of wings delicate silvery grey, darker on the primaries ; rump and tail, with the 
upper and lower coverts, pure white. Irides black ; bill bright yellow ; tarsi and toes yellow, the claws 
darker. Length 9 inches ; wing, from flexure, 7'5 ; tail 3 (median feathers 1 inch shorter) ; bill, along the 
ridge 1’25, along the edge of lower mandible 1‘35 ; tarsus '6 ; middle toe and claw "7. 

Adult in winter. Differs in having the crown of the head white, mixed with black, darkening outwards, the 
nuchal collar being entirely black. 

Obs. In some examples the first primary is margined on the outer web with black ; in others it is of a uniform 
dark grey. 

Young, Forehead and crown greyish w'hite, mottled with dusky ; from the eyes a crescent of greyish black, 
which encircles the occiput ; the plumage of the upper parts silvery grey, mixed with white, and many of 
the feathers with an irregular wavy mark of dark brown near the tip ; the smaller wing-coverts greyish 
brown; underparts white, as in the adult. Bill yellowish brown; feet dull yellow. The tail is less 
acuminate at the sides than in the fully adult bird. 


This is the smallest of our Terns, and is the southern representative of the Sterna minuta of Europe. 
It is tolerably common on all our coasts, and occurs also very plentifully along the shores of Western 
Australia. 

It is very active in its movements, flies high, turns in the air with facility, and dips into the 
water after its prey in a very adroit manner. When resting on the sands it appears, owing to the 

l2 


76 


shortness of its tarsi, to be actually lying on its breast ; but it seldom remains long in this position, 
being far more restless than the other species. Eising silently, it mounts in the air, and having 
marked out a fishing-ground, hovers first to one end of it and then to the other, repeating the circuit 
with the most regular precision. It is less sociable than the other Terns, never assembling in flocks, 
but always associating in pairs, usually hunting together in silence but with an occasional call-note, 
sounding like creJc-crelc. Sometimes four are seen in company, but this only represents a family 
party, the additional members being the young birds of the year. 

During the breeding-season it is very clamorous, especially when its nesting-ground is invaded 
or even approached. It deposits its eggs on the bare shingle, without any attempt at forming a nest, 
merely selecting a natural depression suited to its own size j and the colour of the eggs harmonizes 
in a remarkable manner with their surroundings. 

There is nothing more interesting in the study of oology than the systematic way in which the 
colouring of eggs (and particularly those of sea-birds) is adapted to their natural environment. 

Captain Mair has furnished me with a remarkable instance of this law of assimilative colouring 
for protective purposes. In December, 1876, he visited the Eurima Eocks, in the Bay of Plenty, 
and found large numbers of Larus scopulinus breeding there. In some localities the nests — ■ 
roughly formed and lined with feathers— were placed in the thick masses of wild spinach or in the 
midst of “ sand-fire.” In all such cases he observed that the eggs which these nests contained were 
splashed over their entire surface with large green blotches, thus assimilating their colour to the 
surrounding vegetation ; whilst other eggs (belonging to the same species), deposited on the white 
sand in the immediate vicinity, had a totally different appearance, being of a light stone-colour, and 
so marked as to harmonize exactly with their sandy surroundings. 

It is difficult, howev^er, to account for the very intricate marking that distinguishes the eggs of 
Larus hulleri from those of its near allies, the breeding-habits of these birds not being, so far as I am 
aware, in any way dissimilar. An egg of the last-named species in my son’s collection is of a creamy 
stone-colour, with a broad irregular inky zone near the larger end, splashed on its edges ^vith umber- 
brown, the rest of its surface marked, in a very eccentric way, with widely-spread hieroglyphics of the 
same dark colour. Possibly these markings are intended to simulate minute fragments of seaweed. 

But assuming this protective resemblance to be a chief factor in determining the natural colours 
and markings on the surface, it is indeed very curious to observe how sometimes the eggs in one nest, 
produced at short intervals and all subject alike to the same conditions as to their future safety, differ 
from one another in their coloration. There can be no doubt that the colouring of birds’ eggs, which 
is chieffy due to animal matter deposited on the surface of the shell and capable of being rubbed or 
scratched off, must be to a large extent influenced by the state of the producer’s health and by any 
special sensations to which the bird may be subjected shortly before the extrusion, for it is w^ell known 
that, even in the case of many birds that produce highly-coloured eggs, the hard shell is found to be 
perfectly white only the day before it is laid. Even Mr. Hewitson, who, in his ‘ Eggs of British Birds ’ 
(Intr. p. viii), declines to admit the general rule that the varied and beautiful hues which adorn the 
eggs of birds are given as a protection against discovery and destruction, is constrained to say : — 
“ That there are several instances in which the eggs of birds are admirably adapted to and closely 
resemble in colour the ground upon which they are deposited, I have frequently found, much to 
my annoyance, when in search of them ; and these are just the instances where such protection is 
most necessary, and where contrasting colours would lead to detection ; such is the case amongst 
those birds which, making little or no nest, deposit their eggs, for the most part, upon the bare 
ground, or the shingle of the sea-beach, and leave them uncovered on the least alarm.” 

This species usually lays two eggs ; these are of a regular oval form, measuring 1-4 inch in length 
by 1-05 in breadth, and are of a yellowish white, the whole surface marked with obscure spots of 
purplish grey. 


Order OAVIJE.] 


[Fam. STEKNID^. 


HYDEOCHELIDON LEUCOPTERA. 

(WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN.) 


Sterna fissipes, Pallas, Zoogr. Eosso-Asiat. ii. p. 338 (1811). 

Sterna leucoptera, Meisner u. Schinz, Vog. d. Schweiz, p. 264 (1815). 
Ilyclrochelidon leucoptera, Boie, Isis, 1822, p. 563. 

Viraha leucoptera, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. p. 170 (1825). 
llydrochelidon nigra. Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 660 (1846). 


Ad. ptil. mstiv. supr^ iiitide niger, dorso et scapularibus paullo fumoso lavatis : dorso postico et uropygio albis : 
caudal albix : tectricibus alarum minimis albis, medianis et majoribus pulcbre cinereis : remigibus nigris, 
primariis interioribus canis, secundariis nigris dorso concoloribus : facie laterali et corpore subtiis toto nitide 
nigris : crisso et snbcaudalibus albis : subalaribus nigris, extus albo notatis : rostro nigro ; pedibus paUide 
rubris : iride nigr4. 

Ad. ptil. Mem. supra dilute cinereus, collo postico nigricante notato : tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus, 
quibusdam minoribus versus basin brunnescentibus : remigibus nigricantibus, scapis ocliraceis, primariorum 
pogonii interni dimidio albo, secundariis cinereo lavatis; rectricibus supra cinereis, externis albicantibus 
anguste albido limbatis : facie et collo lateralibus torquem interruptum collarem formantibus : subtus 
omninb albus : rostro nigro, versus basin rubescentc : pedibus flavidis. 

Adult in summer. Head, neck, and all the under surface shining black; the whole of the scapulars, and the back, 
smoky black ; upper wing-coverts dark grey, becoming white towards the edge of the wing ; first two primaries 
greyish black, with white shafts, and broadly marked with white on their inner webs ; the rest of the primaries 
dai’k silvery grey, smoky on their inner webs; secondaries sooty grey, the inner ones darker; rump and tail, 
with upper and lower coverts, pure white. Irides and bill black ; legs dull red. Total length 8 5 inches ; 
extent of wings 21 ; wing, from flexure, 8 ; tail 2'75 ; bill, along the ridge '9, along the edge of lower man- 
dible 1‘25 ; bare tibia '25 ; tarsus '75 ; middle toe and claw 1 ; hind toe and claw '2. 

Adult in winter. Eorehead, sides of the head, and all the under surface pure white ; occiput, ear-coverts, nape, 
and hind neck greyish black ; upper surface of hack, wings, and tail dark grey ; the smaU wing-coverts 
shaded with brown ; the primaries sooty black, with ■white shafts ; the secondaries with dark shafts, and 
tinged more or less with grey. 


I KNOW of only one instance of the occurrence of this beautiful lern in New Zealand. On the 
12th of December, 1868, Mr. D. Monro shot a pair of them on the Waihopai river-bed in the provin- 
cial district of Nelson ; and one of these is now in the Colonial Museum. Ihey were in full summer 
plumage, and were associating with a large breeding-colony of Sterna fj'O^ifalis ; but whether they 
were actually nesting themselves, Mr, Monro was not able to ascertain. He mentions, however, that 
there w'as only a single pair of this species in the flock, and that they uttered at intervals a harsh 
croaking note. 

This Tern has likewise been discovered in Australia since the publication of Mr. Gould’s ‘ Hand- 
book ’ ; and, as it is unquestionably the same form as that inhabiting the Palsearctic Kegion, the species 
enjoys a wide geographical range. 


Oedee GAVI^.] 


[Fam. STERNID^. 


ANGUS CINEEEUS. 

(THE LITTLE NODDY.) 


Anous cinereus, Gould, P. Z. S. 1845, p. 104 ; id. B. Australia, vii. pi. 76 (1848). 
Procelsterna albivitta, Bp. Compt. Rend. xlii. 1856, p. 773. 

Sterna cinerea, Schlegel, M. P.-Bas, Sternce, p. 38 (1863). 

Anous albivittatus, Finsch, P. Z. S. 1877, p. 776. 

Pelecanopus pelecanoides. Gray, List B. Brit. Mus. pt. iii. p. 180 (1844). 


Ad. sTiprk dilute cinereus : pileo cum collo postico et corporc subtus toto albis : tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus 
pallide brunneo paullb lavatis : primariis schistaceo-cinereis : secundariis conspicue albo terminatis : cauda 
omnino scbistaceo-cinere^ : rostro nigro ; pedibus nigricaiiti-brunneis, palmis sordide fla\4s. 

Adult {N.-Z. exam])le). Head, neck, and underparts generally pure white; upper surface delicate French-grey, 
fading away to nothing on the hind neck, and deepening to dark ash-grey on the quills and tail-feathers ; 
the outer web of the first primary blackish brown ; the inner webs of all the primaries whitish on their 
anterior margin ; the shafts dark brown above, whitish at the base, and entirely white on the under surface; 
the secondaries with a conspicuous terminai margin of white. Biil black ; legs and feet blackish brown, 
with yellowish webs. Length 11'5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 8; tail 4'35 ; bill, along the ridge 1, along 
the edge of lower mandible 1'4; bare tibia '25; tarsus ‘85 ; middle toe and claw 1'25. 

Obs. On a comparison of this species with the more northerly Anous cceruleus, Mr. Howard Saunders remarks 
(P. Z. S. 1878, p. 212) ; — “A. caruJeus is smaller than A. cinereus, Gould, and is darker ail over, espeeially 
on the underparts, which are blue-grey, whereas in A. cinereus they are nearly white. The differences are 
too great to be explained away as being due to age, and I admit the distinetness of the two species ; but 
they are very closely allied. The fact of their being found in such close proximity within so limited an area 
is very remarkable.” 

The unique New-Zealand example of this bird was obtained at Cape Maria Vandieman in the early 
part of 1882. Mr. Robson, to whose kindness I am indebted for the skin, furnished me with the 
following account of it : — “ After a heavy S.W. gale my sons were going through some large flax 
bushes and came upon this Tern in the middle of one of them. It was still living, but so much 
exhausted that it could only flutter a short distance, so that it was secured without difficulty. I may 
add that another was observed on the wing, one very calm day, there being very little doubt about the 
dientification.” 

Dr. Crowfoot says of this species (Ibis, 1885, p. 265) : — “ These Grey Terns, called by the Norfolk- 
Islanders the ‘ Little Blue Petrel,’ are fairly numerous during the breeding-season. They lay their 
eggs on Phillip and Nepean Islands and the neighbouring rocks. The eggs are usually placed on 
inaccessible ledges, but often on the sand, sometimes not many feet above the sea, but usually from 80 
to 2000 feet. They make no attempt at a nest, and lay only one egg, which is the most easily broken 
of all the sea-birds’ eggs found on these islands. The eggs much resemble those of the other species 
of Noddy, but the ground-colour is rather darker, and the spots are numerous, small, and more 
generally distributed over the whole surface than in the eggs of the other species. They measure on 
an average 1’6 inch in length by 1T2 in breadth, and vary but little either in size or in markings.” 



SWAMP-HEN. ■ 

PORPHYRIO MELANONOTUS. 

(TWO-FIFTHS NATURAL SIZE.) 




I 



Order GEALL^.] 


[Fam-. EALLID^. 


POEPHYEIO MELANONOTUS*. 

(SWAMP-HEN.) 


Porphyrio melamtus, Temm. Man. d’Orn. ii. p. 701 (1820). 
Black-hached GalUnule, Lath. Gen. Hist. ix. p. 427 (1824). 
PoTphyrio melanotus, Buller, Birds of N. Z. 1st ed. p. 185 (1873). 


Native names . — Pukeko and Pakura f . 


Ad. supr&, nigricans, scapnlaribns et rectricibns vix brunneo externe lavatis : collo postico et laterali, tectricibus 
alarum, genis et corpore subtus sordid^ cseruleis : remigibus nigris, primariis extus obscure caeruleo lavatis : 
mento cum abdomine imo et cruribus nigris : subcaudalibus albis ; rostro et pedibus pallide coccineis : iride 
Isete coccinea. 

Adult male. Head and nape sooty black ; back and upper surface of wings and tail shining black, glossed in 
some specimens with green ; neck, breast, sides of the body, outer edges and lining of wings bright indigo - 
blue; abdomen and feathered portion of tibia sooty black, tinged more or less with indigo-blue; under 
tail-coverts pure white. Irides cherry-red ; frontal plate and bill bright cherry-red, paler on the edges, 
yellowish towards the tips of both mandibles; legs and feet pale lake-red, brownish at the joints. Total 
length 21 inches ; extent of wings 36-5 ; wing, from flexure, ll'S ; tail 4-6 ; frontal plate, across the top, 1 ; 
from posterior edge of frontal plate to the tip of upper mandible 2-75 ; bill, along the edge of lower mandible, 
1-75 ; bare portion of tibia I'S ; tarsus 4 ; middle toe and claw 4-75 ; hind toe and claw 2. 

Female. Somewhat smaller in all its proportions, with the colours of the plumage duller and the bill and legs of 
a paler red. 

Young. Has duller plumage, with the chin pale brown, the fore neck and breast more or less tipped, and the 
abdomen and flanks strongly suffused, with pale brown. 

Younger- states. The following descriptive notes on a series of specimens will exhibit at a glance the changes 
that take place in the young in their progress towards maturity : — 

No. 1 (newly hatched) . Covered with dense black down, the head, neck, wings, and back thickly 
sprinkled with white points; bill greyish white, black at the tip ; legs purplish grey. 

No. 2 (a few days older). Presents fewer of the white points, which are in reality terminal sheaths 

and are rapidly cast off. 

No. 3 (about ten days old) . Covered with sooty down ; on the back and sides of the head, also on the 
wing, numerous stiff hair-like filaments with white apices; bill dusky black, greyish in the centre and white 
near the tip; frontal plate soft and of a reddish flesh-colour; crown of the head without any down, but 
covered with black thick-set bristles, whicb arc continued over the eyes to the beak, and are long and 


* The description of Porpligrio cgamcejrlialus, Yieill. N. Diet. d’Hist. Nat. xxviii. p. 28 (1819), appears to agree with the 
above, but no locality is assigned ; and in the absence of more positive proof that it relates to the same bird, I am unwilling to 
sink so well-established a name as P. melanonotus. 

t So called by the Ngatipukoko tribe of Whakatane ; just as the Ngatikahungunu called the hapuhu “ Kauaeroa ” (long-jaw), 
in deference to the old chief to whom the name of that fish had been applied, and as the Ngapuhi changed the name of the 
Wood-Pigeon from KuJevpa to Kulcu, out of respect to Te Tirarau’s father, who had taken the former name. 


80 


recumbent along the frontal platCj evidently for tbe protection of its tender edges ; cubitus perfectly bare 
and flesh-coloured ; legs dusky cinereous. 

No. 4 (more advanced stage). Body covered with sooty down ; a line of soft pale blue feathers on each 
side of the fore neck and breast; stiff white filaments on the crown and sides of the head; bill black, with 
a whitish spot in its median portion and also at the tip of the upper mandible. 

No. 5 (partially fledged) . Head, nape, and upper parts generally blackish brown, edged with paler 
brown, tinged on the scapulars and wing-coverts with blue ; throat and abdomen dusky brown; fore neck 
and breast pale blue ; all tbe plumage fluffy, and with downy filaments adhering to the feathers; soft tuft 
under the rudimentary tail pale fulvous. 

No. 6 (fully fledged). Head, hind neck, and upper surface blackish brown, with numerous touches of 
lighter brown, and tinged on the wings with blue ; chin pale brown ; fore neck, breast, and sides dull 
mazarine-blue, some of the feathers edged wuth fulvous brown ; abdomen pale fulvous brown ; under tail- 
coverts yellowish white ; iridcsbrowm; bill brownish black, inclining to red towards the base and on the 
frontal plate ; legs dai’k brown, with a reddish tinge. 

Obs. As already shown, the colours of the bill and legs are regulated by conditions of age and sex ; but they 
likewise differ somewhat in richness in individual examples of the male. The intensity of the blue colouring 
in the plumage is likewise variable ; and in some specimens it extends right up to the bill, being perfectly 
bright on the cheeks and chin. 

Varieties. The bird figured as Porphyria stanleyi in Mr. Dawson Rowley’s Ornithological Miscellany ’ is 
undoubtedly a mere albino of this species, exhibiting a few straggling feathers of a dark hue. There is a 
beautiful albino in the Colonial Museum, the entire plumage being snow-white, without even a tinge of 
colour in any part ; bill and feet very pale red. 

The following is the description of a partial albino obtained at Manawatu, and now preserved in the 
Colonial Museum : — The head, neck, and sides of the breast as in ordinary examples, except that the nape is 
freckled with pale brown and white; breast, sides of the body, abdomen, and flanks brownish white, clouded 
and obscurely banded with pale blue ; under tail-coverts white ; upper parts of the body brownish white, 
clouded and blotched with dark brown, excepting on the rump, where the brownish white is uniform ; the 
primaries are dingy white, crossed at the base, and again in their apical portion, by a band of bluish brown, 
the inferior ones tipped also with brown ; the coverts are white, washed with yellowish brown and obscurely 
banded with darker brown ; outer edges of wings bright blue ; tail-feathers brownish white, their coverts 
dark brown; bill and frontal plate as in ordinary examples; legs pale yellowish red.— Another, not 
unlike the last mentioned (also preserved in the Colonial Museum), has the plumage of the back, wings, 
breast, and abdomen entirely creamy wdiite and brown, the former preponderating ; tail-feathers and the 
under coverts pure white ; bill and feet yellowish red. There is a similar sport of nature in the Canterbury 
Museum, difi’ering, however, from the bird just described in the larger amount of white on the back and in 
the darker colour of its w'ings. In this specimen the head and neck are spotted with white, and the under- 
parts are handsomely variegated with pale blue on a whitish ground. — Another, in the Otago Museum, has 
merely a few white feathers in the wings and tail ; whilst a spcchnen in my own collection has the head 
and upper half of neck bluish black, with numerous scattered white feathers, which are thickest on the crown ; 
the whole of the upper surface dull yellowish brown, clouded and barred on the mantle, wings, and tail with 
darker brown, and shading into blackish browm on the back and I’ump ; the quills tawny white with broad 
transverse bars of brownish black flushed with blue ; fore neck, breast, and sides dark brown, with obscure 
crescentic markings of lighter brown, and flushed all over with pale blue ; abdomen and femorals dull tawny 
brown, with numerous rayed markings of darker brown ; under tail-covcrts white. Bill and legs pale red. 

Another remarkable specimen, which I presented to the Colonial Museum, is somewhat similar to the 
above, but is several shades darker, except on the head and upper part of neck, the plumage of the breast 
and underparts being sufiTused with blue; the back and mantle blackish brown, with dull crescents of 
yellowish brown ; the quills and their coverts more clouded with brown, and the wings at their flexure, as 
well as the bastard quills, washed with blue. 

In both the last-mentioned specimens there is what may be termed a break in the plumage halfway down 
the neck, the head being appreciably darker than the body -plumage in one and as much lighter in the other. 


81 


Another ahnonnal example in my collection (represented by the distant figure in my Plate) has the 
wings pure white^ with an occasional touch of colour, and the rest of the plumage as in the ordinary bird 
with here and there a single white feather. 


The Swamp-hen is widely distributed over Tasmania, the greater part of the continent of Australia, 
New Zealand, and the Chatham Islands. It occurs also in New Caledonia ; and the Maoris have a 
tradition that tame ones were brought by their ancestors, in their migration from the historic 
“ Hawaiki.” It is abundant in our country in all localities suited to its habits, such as marshes, 
flax-swamps, and lagoons covered with beds of raupo and rushes. It also frequents the banks of 
freshw'ater streams ; and in places contiguous to these haunts it is accustomed to resort, in the early 
morning, to the open fields and cultivated grounds in quest of food. It subsists principally on soft 
vegetable substances, but it also feeds on insects and grain. By the aid of its powerful bill it pulls 
up the inner succulent stems of the raupo, or swamp-reed, and nips off the soft parts near the root, 
holding the object in the toes of one foot while feeding, something after the manner of a Parrot. It 
is a noticeable fact that in many of the settled districts its numbers have perceptibly increased within 
the last few years, owing, no doubt, to the greater abundance of food afforded by the farms and 
plantations of the colonists *. Large flocks of them may often be seen spi'ead over the stubble-fields, 
or diligently at work in the potato-grounds or among the standing corn. On being disturbed, they 
generally run to the nearest cover, only taking wing when pressed or when suddenly surprised. They 
rise from the ground rather awkwardly, the legs dangling and the wings being hurriedly flapped ; by 
degrees the trailing legs are raised to the level of the body ; and the flight then becomes more steady, 
but is nevertheless laboured and heavy. As a rule, they fly only a short distance, dropping into the 
nearest shelter that offers itself, and trusting for escape to their swiftness of foot ; when fairly mounted 
in the air, however, they are capable of a rather prolonged flight, as I have sometimes had an opportunity 
of witnessing. They swim well, and dive when driven to it. Wounded birds invariably dive, and by 
this means conceal themselves till all danger has passed. 

The late Mr. Henry Mair, in 1877, met with numbers of these birds in the kumara plantations, on 
Savage Island (Nieue), w’here there was no marshy ground for them to frequent. Indeed there was no 
water even on the island except what oozed from the sand between the tide-mark and that which 
could be found at the bottom of deep clefts or fissures, hardly accessible to these birds f . 

The Swamp-hen may fairly be considered one of the best of our native birds. The brightness of 
its plumage and the extreme elegance of its movements at once arrest and please the eye, while, on 
the other hand, it is in very good repute as a game bird. It is interesting to watch it as it strides 
proudly about, balancing its body wdth ease on its long slender legs, jerking its head gracefully, and 
flirting its tail with every movement. Along the sedgy margins of the lagoons and swamps it affords 
good shooting, although it is impossible to flush it without a retriever ; and, if hung sufficiently long 
and properly dressed, it makes an excellent dish. When stewed the ffesh is hardly to be distinguished 
from that of the Capercailzie. 

It is naturally shy and timid ; and although I have on several occasions obtained very young ones 
from the swamps, and reared them with every care, I have never succeeded in completely subduing 
their wild nature. Some years ago, however, I had the pleasure of seeing, in the Government Domain 

* Captain Mair informs me that at Whangarei (north of Auckland), during a period of fifteen years — from 1850 to 1865 — 
he never saw one in that district. After that date they began to make their appearance, and now they are comparatively 
plentiful, being met with in flocks of twenty or thirty together. 

t Me landed on Booby Island, a curious mass of coral rook with no other vegetation than a few stunted bushes and some 
coarse grass, where we nevertheless found some Quail and two or three kinds of Land-Rail, one of them identical with the Pukeko 
of New Zealand.”— SiV Tyrone Poiver. 

VOL. II. M 


82 


at Auckland, three or four of these birds so thoroughly domesticated that they would readily come at 
the call of the keeper and take food from his hand. 

Its usual note is a short harsh cry, but when disturbed or frightened it utters a long, peevish 
scream ; and as the bird is seminocturnal in its habits, this rather melancholy sound may sometimes 
be heard, at intervals, all through the night. 

At Tokanu (at the southern extremity of Lake Taupo) the natives snare thousands of them in 
June and July, at which time they are very fat. They are caught by a very simple artifice. The 
natives, having m.arked their principal haunts, drive rows of stakes into the swampy soil at distances 
of a few feet. These are connected by means of flax-strings, from which are suspended hair-like 
nooses (made of the fibrous leaf of Cordyline) arranged in close succession, with the edges overlapping, 
and placed just high enough from the ground to catch the bird s head as it moves along the surface 
in search of food. As the Swamp-hen is crepuscular in its habits, being most active after dusk, it 
has less opportunity of avoiding the treacherous loops. It frecjuents the Maori plantations in consi- 
derable numbers and proves very destructive to the young crops, and later in the season it plunders 
the potato-fields and kumara-beds *. The snaring of these birds, therefore, on this large scale, answers 
a double purpose, inasmuch as the Maoris find them excellent eating when roasted in their own fat. 

This bird often leaves its home in the marshes to travel over the sand-dunes amongst the tauhinu 
bushes in quest of grasshoppers. The footprints with their long toe-marks may be observed every- 
where in the loose dry sand, testifying to the diligence of the search. At one season, when the little 
Coprosma is in berry, they come out of cover to feast upon it, the plant being a stunted one and the 
berries easily accessible to the Pukeko with its long neck and somewhat stilted legs. 

A favourite resort of this bird is the swamp at Te Aute, in the Hawke’s Bay district, one of the 
best shooting-grounds in the colony. Here there is a morass over three thousand acres in extent, 
more or less wet according to the season of the year’, with a broad lagoon or mere in the centre, and 
swarming with wild fowl of every kind. At the time of my last visit to this familiar ground (14th 
December) the growth of raupo bulrush was young and vividly green, looking like an Egyptian 
“ paddy-field.” It was interesting to see the Pukekos come out in swarms on the adjoining meadows, 
accompanied by their young, some only the size of pullets, others more than half-grown, and all 
readily distinguishable by their dark bill and frontal shield. In this well-frequented place they have 
become quite accustomed to the railway traffic, and may be seen walking about in the most unconcerned 
manner within twenty or thirty yards of the passing train. 

If pressed to take the water, they swim well, as I have often had an opportunity of seeing; and 
on this point Mr. Moore, of Waimarama, sends me the following note : — 

“ Several times when passing the Maraetotara, a deep limestone creek between rather high banks, 
I have seen these birds swimming across fifteen yards of water of about twelve feet deep. I told lots 
of people of this, but they would not believe it ; but I have lately been able to convince several of my 
friends (Messrs. Frank Nairn and Meinertzhagen among them) by actually showing them the Pukeko 
swimming in fifteen or twenty feet of water. The other day I was riding down to Napier, and Avhen I 
came to the Maraetotara I saw some Pukekos swimming over to the other side, when ail at once I 

* The thievish propensities of this bird are traditional with the Maoris ; and the following characteristic evidence in relation 
thereto was given in the Native Land Court at Marten during the hearing of the famous llangatira case. The witness under 
examination, on behalf of the Ngatiapa claimants, was the old warrior, Matiaha Peko, who said : — “ I was born at Te Ngeo 
and am the son of Takiau, the same man who, in company with Te Kapiti, killed Totohu at Tc Karangi, on the banks of the 
Pourewa creek. This was long before the date of the Haowhenna fight on the coast (1826). They killed him for stealing the 
eels in that creek. Then they cut him up, cooked and eat him — eat the whole of him except tho head, and that we preserved 
and dried in the old Maori fashion (moko-r)ioIcai). I helped to eat him. I saw the head. It was a huge head with crisjj hair 
like a negro’s {jyorilci), and had tho face completely covered with ‘ tatooing.’ We took the preserved head with us to Turakina, 
and then used it for a long time stuck on a pole, as a ‘ scare ’ to keep the Pukekos away from our potato-grounds.” 


83 


heard a loud screaming, and on looking round I observed a great commotion among the birds. I then 
rode down to the bank, and there I saw an enormous eel fastened on to a full-grown Pukeko, which 
was making a strong fight for its life with beak and claws, the others helping when they got a 
chance. They took no notice whatever of me, although I was on horseback within ten yards of them. 
The contest went on for several minutes, and in the end the bird managed to free itself.” 

In January 1881 the following paragraph appeared in a Hawke’s Bay paper : — “A Pukeko dashed 
through the window of a railway carriage the other day, between Kaikoura and Te Ante. The glass 
was a quarter of an inch thick, and the bird was killed by the force of the concussion.” I happened 
to be travelling by the evening train and saw both the broken glass and the dead Pukeko, the author 
of the mischief. 

The spread of this species into districts where it had hitherto been comparatively unknown, and 
its then becoming very abundant, is a very curious fact. Mr. Shrimpton tells me that at Amuri, in 
1861, and at the Hawea Lake, a few years later, they appeared first in small parties and then in 
considerable force, the bird having been previously quite a stranger to that part of the country. The 
increase was too rapid to have been the result of natural breeding, and must have been occasioned by 
a sudden migration from the swamps near the coast. The same thing has happened since at 
Whangarei, in the North Island, as already mentioned. 

It usually breeds in swampy situations, the nest, which is composed of dry grass and flags, being 
in some instances entirely surrounded by water. In the Lake District they are everywhere abundant; 
and there they build their nests on the silica terraces, not in groups or colonies, but singly and without 
much attempt at concealment. In these localities Captain Mair has found as many as fourteen eggs 
in one nest, and eleven in another. Mr. T. H. Potts has described * a nest which he found in a 
swamp by Lake EUesmere as being “ firmly built of leaves of a Carex, and forming a compact mass 
some 8 inches in length, and not very easily to be distinguished, as the material of the nest was as 
green as the surrounding grasses.” Mr. Donald Potts, a son of the former gentleman, has sent me the 
following note : — “ The structure is often raised about a foot in height ; and the young, on being 
disturbed, hide directly they are able to get out of the nest.” The late Sir Julius von Haast informed 
me that he had observed a pair of these birds building their nest on a little pond near Mr. Hill s 
residence, in the Malvern Hills, on the 21st of September, that they brought forth their brood about 
the end of October, and commenced to form a new nest close to the old one about the middle of the 
following month ; and eggs have been collected as late as the 13th of December. We may therefore 
assume that this species is accustomed to breed twice in the season. 

Mr. Owen, of Wangaehu, informs me that he found a nest containing thirteen eggs. According 
to my experience the number of eggs in a nest varies from two to seven ; but five may be considered 
the complement. They are broadly ovoido-conical in form, measuring 2'2 inches in length by 1’5 in 
breadth, and are usually of a pale yellowish brown, spotted and blotched with purplish and reddish 
brown; but while differing slightly from one another in size and form, they present also great 
individual diversity of colouring. The eggs from one nest, however many in number, generally 
preserve a common family likeness, and therefore admit of easy classification. A series of twelve 
specimens in the Canterbury Museum exhibits the following varieties of character : — A set of four 
(presumably from one nest) are of a pale greyish brown, marked over their whole surface with rounded 
spots of purplish brown ; another set of four are of a warmer yellowish-brown tint, and more thickly 
studded with dark spots, especially at the larger end : a specimen showing a very narrow form has the 
entire surface covered with minute round spots, very equally distributed ; another has the thick end 
blotched with dark purplish grey, as though the colours had been partially washed out; and another. 


M 2 


* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. 1870, vol. iii. p. 102. 


84 


which is of appreciably smaller size than ordinary examples, is delicately speckled all over, with here 
and there a larger spot, and with a dull irregular blotch of brown nearly an inch in extent towards 
the larger end. The last of the series to be noticed is an extremely handsome specimen : the ground- 
colour is a pale creamy brown, with widely scattered and obscure spots of darker brown ; but the 
thicker portion of the egg presents numerous marbled veins of purplish brown, among which are fine 
pencilled markings and wavy lines of red, producing a very pleasing effect. 

The series of eggs belonging to this species in my son’s collection comprises upwards of twenty 
specimens. There is a slight variation in size and form, and also in the details of the markings. 
They vary from the true ovoid form to a decided ovoido-conical, the average size being 2 inches in length 
by 1’5 in breadth. One example differs from all the rest in being more rounded in form, measuring 
1'8 inch in length by 1‘45 in breadth. They are of a warm cream or stone colour, varied over the 
entire surface, but more particularly at the larger end, with scattered spots of reddish brown : in some 
the spots are rounded and widely scattered with minute specks between ; in others they are irregular 
and smudgy ; in others, again, they present underlying or washed-out spots similar to those in the eggs 
of Ocydromus. One has the entire surface covered with pretty evenly distributed roundish spots ; 
another has the spots more thickly aggregated at the larger end ; another exhibits them entirely 
confluent at the pole, having a smudgy appearance and ranging in tint from dull purple to chocolate- 
brown ; whilst another, difFering from all the rest, is conspicuously washed towards the larger end, 
and sparingly over the rest of the surface, with dark blots and smudges of yellowish and purplish 
brown. 



Trihonyx mortieri (see Vol. I. Intr. p. xiv, and Vol. II. p. 88). 



MOHO OR TAKAHE 

NOTORNIS MANTELLI. 

(OME-FIFTH NATURAL SIZE] 




Oedee GEALLjE.] 


[Fam. EALLIDiE. 


NOTOENIS MANTELLL 

(MANTELL^S NOTORNIS.) 


Notornis mantelli, Owen, Tr. Zool. Soc. iii. p. 377, pi. Ivi. figs. 7-13 (1848). 


Native names. — Moho, Takahe, and Tokohea. 

Ad. supiA viridis ; pileo et collo iindique cum corpore subtus toto nigricantibus, ultramariiio niteutibus : tectricibus 
alarum cyanescentibus viridi lavatis : rcmigibus nigris, primariis extus cseruleo marginatis, secundariis intimis 
dorso concoloribus : cauda suj)rk viridi dorso concolore : subcaudalibus albis : rostro la;te rubro, versus apicem 
flavicante : pedibus pallide rubris : iride rubra. 

Adult male. Head and tbroat bluish black, passing into dark purplish blue on the bind neck; the whole of the 
back, rump, upper tail-coverts, lesser wing-coverts, and scapulars dull olive-green, tipped more or less with 
verditer-green, and of a darker shade towards the shoulders ; fore neck, breast, sides of the body, and flanks 
beautiful purplish blue; a band of the same colour, half an inch wide, separates the dark blue of the nape 
from the olive-green of the upper surface; thighs, abdomen, and vent bluish black ; under tail-coverts white ; 
wing-featlicrs rich deep blue on their outer webs, dusky brown margined with blue on their inner ; the gi eater 
cov'crts with broad terminal margins of verditer-green, forming crescentic bands in the expanded wings ; 
tail-feathers dark olive-green, wdtb brown shafts, dark brown on their under surface. The plumage of the 
back and rump is soft and thick, and on being disturbed is found to be dull greyish brown towards the base. 
Irides red; frontal plate and bill bright red, yellowish towards the tips of both mandibles; tarsi and toes 
lighter red ; claws horn-brown. Total length 24 inches; wing, from flexure, 975 ; tail 4-5 ; from posterior 
edge of frontal plate to tip of upper mandible 3-25 ; from gape of the mouth, along the edge of lower man- 
dible, 2; tarsus 3'25 ; middle toe and claw 3'75 ; bind toe and claw 1 7. 

Female. A second specimen in the Rritisb IMuseum, which is supposed to be a female, is somewhat smaller than 
the above in all its dimensions, has the colours generally duller, and the olive-green of the upper parts shaded 
with brown. 

Obs. A third example (now in the Dresden Museum) has since been captured in the Otago District. This bird, 
of wdiicli a detailed description will be found in the text below, is apparently a female, and diflers noticeably 
from the tw'o Britisli-Museum specimens in the entire absence of the bright crescents on the wing-coverts, 
w'hich are so conspicuous a feature in the latter, and particularly in the male. 


The name of Walter Mantell will ever be associated with the palaeontology of the Postpliocene and 
Pleistocene deposits of New Zealand, as is that of liis illustrious father (the late Dr. Mantell) with 
the palaeontology of the Wealden formation of the south-east of England. Mr. Mantell was the first 
scientific explorer of the Moa-heds of kVaikouaiti and kk aiingongoro, and he succeeded in forming 
some magnificent collections of fossil remains, which were forwarded to England and ultimately depo- 
sited in the British Aluseum. The value to science of these discoveries is amply demonstrated in 
Professor Owen’s elaborate ‘ Memoirs ’ on Dinornis and its allies, read before the Zoological Society 
from time to time, and published in the ‘Transactions.’ Not only has Mr. Mantell contributed largely 
to our knowledge of the geology and palseontology of the country, but he has likewise made additiorrs 
to our ornithology, the most important of these being his discovery of a living species of Notorms, 


86 


with which his name is now associated *, I cannot better describe this interesting ornithological 
event than by quoting Dr. Mantell’s announcement of it in his address to the Zoological Society on 
the 12th of November, 1850: — 

“ Amongst the fossil bones of birds collected by my eldest son in the North Island of New Zealand, 
which I had the honour of placing before the Zoological Society in 1848 in illustration of Professor 
Owen’s description of the crania and mandibles of Dinornis, Palapteryx, &c., there were the skull, 
beaks, humerus, sternum, and other parts of the skeleton of a large bird of the Rail family, which, 
from their peculiar characters, were referred by that eminent anatomist to a distinct oi Pallidw 
allied to the SrachyjiteTyx, under the name of Notovnis^ — a prevision, the correctness of which is 
confirmed by the recent specimen that forms the subject of the present communication, lowards the 
close of last year I received from Mr. Walter Mantell another extensive and highly interesting collec- 
tion of fossils, minerals, and rock-specimens, obtained during his journey along the eastern coast of 
the Middle Island, from Banks Peninsula to the south of Otago, in the capacity of Government 
Commissioner for the settlement of native claims. This series comprised also a fine suite of birds 
bones from Waingongoro, the locality whence the former collection was chiefly obtained; and among 
them were relics of the Notornis, and crania and mandibles of Palapteryx. The results of my son s 
observations on the geological phenomena presented by the eastern coast of the Middle Island are 
embodied in a paper read before the Geological Society in February last, and published in vol. v. of 
the ‘Quarterly Journal.’ It will suffice for my present purpose to mention that they confirm in every 
essential particular the account given of the position and age of the ornithic ossiferous deposits in my 
first memoir on this subject J. The only fact that relates to the present notice is the nature of the 
bone-bed at Waikouaiti, whence Mr. Percy Earl, Dr. Mackellar, and other naturalists procured the 
first relics of the gigantic birds, sent by those gentlemen to England, and which are figured and 
described in the ‘ Zoological Transactions.’ This so-called tertiary deposit is situated in a little bay 
south of Island Point, near the embouchure of the river Waikouaiti, and is only visible at low water, 
w'hen bones more or less perfect are occasionally observable projecting from the water-worn surface of 
the bog. This deposit is about 3 feet in depth and not more than 100 yards in length ; the extent 
inland is concealed by vegetation and a covering of superficial detritus, and is supposed to be very 
inconsiderable. This bed rests upon a blue tertiary clay that emerges here and there along that part 
of the coast, and which abounds in shells and corals, of species existing in the adjacent sea. Thi^s 
bone-deposit was evidently a morass or swamp, on which the New-Zealand flax {Phormmm tenax) 
once grew luxuriantly. Bones of the larger species of Moa have from time to time been obtained 
from this spot by the natives and European visitors ; and, as in the menaccanite sand-beds at Wai- 
ngongoro, they are associated with bones of one species of dog and two species of seal. My son also 
collected crania and other remains of a species of Apteryx Ap. austrahs), Albatros, Penguin, 

* At a Meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society on September 3, 1881, after the reading of a paper by the Author on 
the capture of another example, as narrated on p. 89, during the discussion that followed, Mr. Mantell disclaimed any credit for 
the discovery of the original bird with which his name had been connected. He observed it hanging in a wharo at a native 
settlement in Otago, along with Kakapos and Kiwis that had been brought from the west coast, and, recognizing it to be new, 
obtained it from the owner. The second specimen was sent to him by Captain Howell of lliverton. 

The Author, in reply, vindicated the name by which this bird was now distinguished {Nofornis mantelli), and stated that 
more than a year before the discovery of the bird itself on Hesolution Island, Professor Owen had drawn the generic characters 
of a large brevipennate Hail, then supposed to be extinct, from the fossil remains collected by Mr. Mantell, and had named it 
N'otornis, dedicating the species to the discoverer of the bones. It was somewhat curious that it should have fallen to the lot of 
the same scientific explorer to discover the living bird itself ; and although Mr. Mantell now modestly disclaimed any merit, it 
seemed peculiarly fitting and right that, in commemoration of his services, his name should be permanently associated with the 
species. (See Eeport of Proc. W. P. S.) 
t Zoological Transactions, vol. iii. p. 366. 


t Geological Journal, vol. iv. 


87 


and of some smaller birds, whose characters and relations have not yet been fully ascertained ; no 

bones of the Notornis were observed in this locality It was in the course of last year, on the 

occasion of my son’s second visit to the south of the Middle Island, that he had the good fortune to 
secure the recent Notornis which I have the pleasure of submitting to this Society, having previously 
placed it in the hands of the eminent ornithologist, Mr. Gould, to tigure and describe, as a tribute of 
respect for his indefatigable labours in this department of natural history. 

“ This bird was taken by some sealers who were pursuing their avocations in Dusky Bay. Per- 
ceiving the trail of a large and unknown bird on the snow with which the ground was then covered, 
they followed the footprints till they obtained a sight of the Notornis, which their dogs instantly 
pursued, and after a long chase caught alive in the gully of a sound behind Resolution Island. It 
ran with great speed, and upon being captured uttered loud screams, and fought and struggled 
violently ; it was kept alive three or four days on board the schooner and then killed, and the body 
roasted and ate by the crew, each partaking of the dainty, which was declared to be delicious. The 
beak and legs were of a bright red colour. My son secured the skin, together with very fine speci- 
mens of the Kakapo, or Ground-Parrot, a pair of Huias, and two species of Kiwi, namely Apteryx 
australis anCi Ap. oweni; the latter very rare bird is now added to the collection of the British 
Museum. 

“ Mr. Walter Mantell states that, according to the native traditions, a large Rail was contemporary 
with the Moa, and formed a principal article of food among their ancestors. It was known to the 
North-Islanders by the name of ‘Moho,’ and to the South-Islanders by that of ‘Takahe;’ but the 
bird was considered by both natives and Europeans to have been long since exterminated by the wild 
cats and dogs, not an individual having been seen or heard of since the arrival of the English colonists. 

To the natives of the pahs or villages on the homeward route and at Wellington the bird was 

a perfect novelty, and excited much interest. I may add that, upon comparing the head of the bird 
with the fossil cranium and mandibles, and the figures and descriptions in the ‘ Zoological Transac- 
tions ’ (pi. 56), my son was at once convinced of their identity ; and so delighted was he by the 
discovery of a living example of one of the supposed extinct contemporaries of the Moa, that he 
immediately wrote to me, and mentioned that the skull and beaks were alike in the recent and fossil 
specimens, and that the abbreviated and feeble development of the wings, both in their bones and 
plumage, w’ere in perfect accordance with the indications afforded by the fossil humerus and sternum 
found by him at Waingongoro, and now in the British Museum, as pointed out by Professor Owen in 

the memoir above referred to In concluding this brief narrative of the discovery of a living 

example of a genus of birds once contemporary with the colossal Moa, and hitherto only knowm by 
its fossil remains, I beg to remark that this highly interesting fact tends to confirm the conclusions 
expressed in my communications to the Geological Society — namely, that the IJinornis, Palapteryx, 
and related forms were coeval with some of the existing species of birds peculiar to New Zealand, and 
that their final extinction took .place at no very distant period, and long after the advent of the 
aboriginal Maoris.” 

In the paper which Mr. Gould read at the same Meeting, he prefaced his detailed description of 
the bird with the following remarks : — 

“ Dr. Mantell having kindly placed his sou’s valuable acquisition in my hands for the purpose of 
characterizing it in the ‘ Proceedings ’ of this Society, and of afterwards figuring and describing it in 
the appendix to my work on the birds of Australia, I beg leave to commence the pleasing task he 
has assigned me. 

“ The amount of interest which attaches to the present remarkable bird is perhaps greater than 
that which pertains to any other with which I am acquainted, inasmuch as it is one of the few 
remaining species of those singular forms which inhabited that supposed remnant of a former conti- 


88 


iient — New Zealand, and which have been so ably and so learnedly described, from their semifossilized 
remains, by Professor Owen ; who, as well as the scientific world in general, cannot fail to be highly 
gratified by the discovery of a recent example of a form previously known to us solely from a few 
osteological fragments, and which, but for this fortunate discovery, would in all probability, like the 
Dodo, have shortly become all but traditional. While we congratulate ourselves upon the preservation 
of the skin, we must all deeply regret the loss of the bones, any one of which would have been in the 
highest degree valuable for the sake of comparison with the numerous remains which have been sent 
home from New Zealand. 

“ Upon a cursory view of this bird it might be mistaken for a gigantic kind of Porpliyrio •, but on 
an examination of its sti’ucture it will be found to be generically distinct. It is allied to Porphyrio in 
the form of its bill and in its general colouring, and to Trihonyx in the structure of its feet, while in 
the feebleness of its wings and the structure of its tail it differs from both. From personal observation 
of the habits of Trihonyx and Porphyrio, I may venture to affirm that the habits and economy of the 
present bird more closely resemble those of the former than those of the latter ; that it is doubtless 
of a recluse and extremely shy disposition ; that being deprived, by the feeble structure of its wing, 
of the power of flight, it is compelled to depend upon its swiftness of foot for the means of evading 
its natural enemies ; and that, as is the case with Trihonyx, a person may be in its vicinity for weeks 
without ever catching a glimpse of it. From the thickness of its plumage and the great length of its 
back-feathers, we may infer that it affects low and humid situations, marshes, the banks of rivers, and 
the coverts of dripping ferns, so abundant in its native country ; like Porphyrio, it doubtless enjoys 
the power of swimming, but would seem, from the structure of its legs, to be more terrestrial in its 
habits than the members of that genus. I have carefully compared the bill of this example with that 
figured by Professor Owen under the name of Notornis mantelli, and have little doubt that they are 
referable to one and the same species ; and as we are now in possession of materials whence to obtain 
complete generic characters, I hasten to give the following details, in addition to those supplied by 

Professor Owen I cannot conclude these remarks without bearing testimony to the very great 

importance of the results which have attended the researches of Mr. Walter Mantell in the various 
departments of science to which he has turned the attention of his cultivated, intelligent, and inquiring 
mind, nor without expressing a hope that he may yet be enabled to obtain some particulars as to the 
history of this and the other remarkable birds of the country in which he is resident.” 

Mr. Mantell was fortunate enough to secure a second specimen of the Notornis-, and these 
examples, the only two then known, having been carefully mounted by Mr. Bartlett, were placed 
side by side in the National Collection of Great Britain, and, like the remains of the Dodo in the 
adjoining gallery, have continued to the present time to attract the attention of thousands of daily 
visitors ! 

Sir George Grey tells me that in 1868 he was at Preservation Inlet and saw a party of natives 
there who gave him a circumstantial account of the recent killing of a small Moa (1 Palapteryx), 
describing with much spirit its capture out of a drove of six or seven. The same natives pointed 
out to him a valley where the Notornis was said to be still plentiful. This was at the head of 
Preservation Inlet. Besides being swampy, the ground was covered with vegetation so close and 
thick that it was impossible to penetrate it on foot, and under this cover the Notornis might roam 
about in perfect security ; for the recluse habits of such a bird, as long ago pointed out by Mr. Gould, 
would in these localities be its best protection. 

Sir James Hector informs me that, when exploring on the south-west coast of Otago in 1863, he 
discovered the Maori who actually caught the first-recorded Notornis ; and this man assured him that 
“ there were plenty of them at the head of the N.W. arm of Te Anau Lake, near a small lake in the 
valley that leads to Bligh Sound.” In confirmation of the above report about the Moa, Sir J. Hector 


89 


states that, in 1862, during a visit to the Matukatuka river, he heard a singular booming noise which 
was followed by a shrill whistle. The same cries were afterwards heard by another exploring party, 
and he feels convinced that they came from some small species of Moa, of which there may yet be 
survivors in the six hundred square miles of “ unexplored interior.” 

In my former edition T said : — “ Although no examples of the Notornis have since been obtained, 
it does not necessarily follow that the species is absolutely extinct. The recluse habits of such a bird, 
as already pointed out by Mr. Gould, would account for its hitherto escaping notice in the only 
partially explored portions of the country ; and the following extract from a letter, addressed to me 
by Dr. Hector in December 1866,' would lead us to hope that at least one specimen more may yet be 
found to grace a shelf in the Colonial Museum : — ‘ At Motupipi, about three months ago, Mr. Gibson, 
who is a really good careful observer, a capital botanist, and a new comer to the country, saw a bird 
within a few feet of him, in tall swamp-grass, which, from his description, I have no doubt was a 
Notornis ! ! Pie had never seen the plate or description of the Notornis ; and as he knows the Pukeko 
[Porphyrio melanonotus) quite well, there is no other bird that would answer to his account. I am 
going back there, and will get further particulars about it.’ 

“ Dr. Hector likewise informs me that, during his exploration of the South-western portion of 
the Otago Province in 1861-62, he met with some traces of the Notornis near Thompson Sound and 
on the middle arm of the Anau Lake.” 

Since the above was written, another example has been obtained ; and as a special interest always 
attaches to a species on the verge of extinction, I will reproduce here portions of a paper on the 
subject which I I’ead before the Wellington Philosophical Institute on September 3, 1881: — 

The capture of a specimen of the rare Notornis mantelli in the South Island is an event of 
sufficient importance to warrant a special memoir in our ‘ Transactions,’ and I have therefore much 
pleasure, at the request of our President, in bringing before you this evening all the information I have 
been able to collect on the subject. 

I may here mention— and I do so with regret — that the specimen which I am about to describe 
is no longer in the colony, having been despatched by the ‘AVaitangi about three weeks ago for 
sale in England. It will be interesting to watch its ultimate fate ; hut as there are already two fine 
examples in the National Collection, it will most probably find its way into one of the continental or 
American museums *. Although we have failed to detain the prize, there is every reason to believe that 
the species still survives in the land, and that it will yet be added to the type collection in the Colonial 
Museum. It is a curious fact, illustrating the wide range of a bird supposed to be nearly extinct, 
that the three known examples have been obtained at localities nearly a hundred miles apart from 
each other, and over an interval of thirty-five years. As the species belongs to a gregarious family, 
and as the general character of its habitat is rough and inaccessible in the extreme, I think it may be 
fairly inferred that many yet survive to reward the future search of the Southern naturalist. 

The two fine specimens now in the British Museum (supposed to be male and female) were obtained 
through the exertions of our former President, the Hon. AV alter Mantell, after whom the bird was 
named. The first of these was captured alive in 1849 by a party of sealers at Duck Cove, on Resolu- 
tion Island, Dusky Sound ; the second was caught by the Maoris on Secretary Island, opposite to 
Deas Cove, Thompson Sound. 

The third specimen, to which I have now specially to refer, was recently obtained on what 
are called the “Bare-patch Plains” (between the Maruia and Upokororo rivers), on the eastern 

* The specimon was offered to public competition at Stevens’s llooms, in Covont Garden, and purchased for the Dresden 
Museum at £105, the representative of tho Cambridge Museum having unfortunately ceased his bidding at ^100. Its bones 
have since been described by Dr. Meyer, the Director of that Museum, who proposes to refer it to a new species under the name 
of Notornis liochstetteri. 

VOL. II. 


90 


side of Te Anau Lake. The circumstances of the capture were thus narrated to me by Captain 
Hankinson, on whose property it occurred. A man who was engaged “rabbiting” on the run had 
camped on the Maruroa Flat, not far from the homestead. One day his dogs ran down a large bird, 
and on coming up he found it alive and unharmed. Taking the bird from the dogs, he deliberately 
killed it, took it to his tent, and hung it up to the ridge pole. On the following day th e station- 
manager (Mr. J. Connor), in making his customary round, visited the camp. The rabbiter had just 
struck his tent, and calling his manager’s attention to the dead bird, still suspended to the ridge pole, 
told him he might have it. Mr. Connor, who was intelligent enough to suspect that he had found a 
Notomis, at once accepted the offer and took the bird home to the station, where he carefully and 
very successfully skinned it, preserving also all the bones of the body. 

The weather had been exceptionally severe, and it is supposed that this was how the Notornis 
came to be found on the flats, having been driven down from the high country. The man who caught 
it said that it seemed quite tame, whereas Mantell’s bird (as already mentioned) made a vigorous 
resistance on being taken. 

Professor Parker having undertaken to describe the skeleton for our ‘ Transactions,’ Dr. Hector 
invited me to undertake the same duty in regard to the skin, in order that, in default of the specimen 
itself, we might have on record in the colony as complete a monograph as possible of this interesting 
bird. I cheerfully undertook the task, and made a visit to Dunedin specially for this purpose. 

On being introduced to this rara avis 1 experienced again the old charm that always came over 
me when gazing upon the two examples in the British Museum — the lingering representatives of a 
race co-existent in this land with the colossal Moa ! Then, retiring to the Museum library, I shut 
myself in with Notornis, handled my specimen with the loving tenderness of the naturalist, sketched 
and measured its various parts, and made a minute description of its plumage. 

Like many other New-Zealand forms of an earlier period, the Notornis is the gigantic prototype 
of a well-known genus of Swamp-hens. It is, in fact, to all appearance a huge Pukeko {Porphyrio), 
with feeble or aborted wings and abbreviated toes, the feet resembling those of Trihonyx — a bird 
incapable of flight, but admirably adapted for running. Similar, no doubt, was the relation borne by 
the powerful Aptornis to our present Woodhen {Ocydromus) ; but in that case the prototype has 
disappeared, leaving only its fossil bones for the study of the scientist, and its place in nature to be 
filled by its existing diminutive representatives. 

The interest attaching to Notornis has been greatly enhanced by the discovery that the white 
Swamp-hen, of Norfolk Island, belongs to the same genus, as this has an important bearing on the 
study of geographic distribution *. 

The characters of the genus Notornis were first determined by Professor Owen, in 1848, from 
certain fossil remains collected by Mr. Mantell in the North Island of New Zealand, and consisting of 
the skull, beaks, humerus, sternum, and other parts of the skeleton of a large brevipennate Rail. The 
sagacity Avith which the learned professor had interpreted these bones, and the absolute correctness of 
his prevision, were exemplified in the discovery which enabled Mr. Gould, in 1850, to communicate 
to the Zoological Society the complete generic characters of the bird, already known to science as 
Notornis mantelli, Owen. In illustration of these, Mr. Gould furnished to the Society a coloured 
sketch of the head of Notornis, in his usual artistic style ; and at a later period he published, in the 
Supplement to his ‘ Birds of Australia,’ a full-sized drawing of the bird. These plates are very beau- 
tiful, but on a close comparison with the specimen to which these notes more especially refer, I find 
that some of the minor features have been overlooked by the artist, or sacrificed to pictorial effect. 

* Notornis alba is cstabiislied, by Herr von Pelzeln, on a specimen acquired at the sale of the Leverian Collection, which 
was without doubt the type of Fulica atra of White’s ‘ Voyage ’ and the Gallinula alba of Latham. This bird had been erro- 
neously considered by Temminck and G. E. Gray to be an albino variety of the well-known Porphyrio melanomtus. 


91 


In the following descriptive notes I have therefore deemed it best to record the characters (generic 
as well as specific) with some minuteness of detail. 

The bill is somewhat shorter than the head, greatly compressed on the sides, and much arched 
above, the culmen having a convex or rounded aspect, with a uniform width of three eighths of an 
inch from above the nostrils to within half an inch of the tip, when it rapidly diminishes, terminating 
m a rounded point. Where it merges into the frontal shield, the culmen is five eighths of an inch in 
width. Gould has somewhat exaggerated in his drawings the angle of declination towards the corners 
of the mouth, also the serrated edge of the upper mandible. In this specimen there is only the 
slightest indication of pectination. The cuttiiig-edges of both mandibles are sharp to the touch. 
The horny covering of the bill rises on the forehead to a line with the posterior angle of the eye, 
forming a depressed frontal shield (not arched as in the drawing). Nostrils oval, placed in a depres- 
sion near the base of the bill, and forming an oblique opening, nearly twice as large as shown in 
Gould’s sketch of the head (Proc. Zool. Soc.). Wings short, rounded, and slightly concave ; ample in 
appearance, but useless for purposes of flight ; first quill shortest, second half an inch shorter than 
third ; third, fourth, and fifth longest and about equal ; sixth scarcely shorter than fifth. On 
examining the wing-feathers they are found to be feeble and pliant, the outer webs being almost 
as broad as the inner. The tail-feathers are likewise soft and pliant, with disunited filaments, 
much worn at the tips. The tarsi are long, strong, and well proportioned to the bird ; longer than 
the toes (exclusive of claws), rounded in form, and armed in front with fourteen more or less broad, 
regular, transverse scutellae, forming an effective shield ; on the middle toe there are twenty-three 
transverse scales, all very regular, but narrowed at the joints ; on the inner toe fifteen, and on the 
outer toe twenty-one. On the hind toe there are five scales. The claws are strong, thick, not much 
arched, rather sharp on the edges, but with blunted points, especially on the hind toe. The palate 
is deeply grooved. 

Head and upper part of neck very dark blue, changing according to the light into brownish 
black on the crown and nape, brighter on the cheeks and sides, and passing into dark purplish blue 
on the lower part of the neck ; the whole of the back, rump, and upper tail-coverts rich olive-green, 
varied more or less, and particularly on the shoulders, with dull verditcr-green, the feathers shading 
off into that colour at the tips, the general olive hue, however, predominating towards the sides of 
the body ; fore neck, breast, sides of the body, and inner portion of flanks beautiful purplish blue ; 
the lengthened pectoral plumes which overlap the sides and the outer portion of flanks vivid purplish 
blue, mixed and varied, especially on the former, with verditer-green ; abdomen, thighs, and 
vent dull indigo or bluish black, more or less mixed with brown ; under tail-coverts pure white. 
The general upper surface of the wings is a rich mixture of blue and verditer-green, very difficult to 
express exactly in umrds, the combination having something of the effect, in certain lights, of lains 
lazuli. 

On a close examination of the larger coverts it is found that they are marked transversely with 
numerous delicate rays of a darker purplish blue, adding much to the beauty of the plumage. On 
the lesser coverts this rayed character, although present, is less conspicuous, and the olive hue is more 
pronounced, w'hile on the scapulars it becomes predominant, resembling the plumage of the back. 
The outer edges of the wings and the tertial plumes are very rich purplish blue or obscurely rayed with 
green. The outer primaries are blue on their outer webs, but this rapidly changes to dull sea-green, 
which colour prevails on both webs of the secondaries, only washed with a brighter tint on the outer 
vane. This colour deepens again into olive on the inner secondaries and their coverts, thus harmo- 
nizing with tlie plumage of the back. The under surface of the quills is uniform blackish brown, and 
the shafts are white towards the base ; the axillary plumes and the larger inner coverts are of the same 
colour, tipped on their outer aspect with blue, and the smaller coverts, which are of very soft texture, 

X 2 


92 



are entirely blue. The tail-feathers are dark olive, mixed with verditer-green on the upper surface and 
changing to dull olive-brown, with lighter shafts, on their under surface *. 

The bill has lost its original colour through being dried. On the frontal plate and along the 
basal edges of both mandibles it appears to have been dark red, fading outwards. The culmen still 
has traces of its original pinky colour ; but the sides of both mandibles, in the present condition of 
the specimen, are reddish horn-colour, fading to whitish horn along the cutting-edges. The tarsi and 
toes appear to have been originally light red, having now faded to a transparent reddish brown, 
paler on the toes. Claws dull brown, lighter towards the tips. 

The texture and general appearance of the plumage on the head, neck, and underparts generally 
is very similar to that of the Pukeko {Porphyrio melanonotm)^ although the latter bird lacks the 
produced bright-coloured pectoral plumes which overlap the sides of the body, under the wings, in 
Notornis. The plumage of the back is very long and thick, but at the same time soft and somewhat 
s ilk y to the touch, being evidently adapted to haunts where the bird is constantly subject to drippings 
from wet herbage. On moving this plumage with the hand it is found that the basal portion, 
comprising more than two thirds of the feathers, is of a uniform blackish brown, whereas the basal 
plumage on the other parts of the body is dark grey. The plumage of the head and neck is short 
and close, as in Poryliyrio, the feathers having a soft texture. The whole of the upper surface has a 
slight sheen upon it (amounting almost to a glint on the tips of the shoulder-plumage), and the bright 
hues of colour on the back and wings change slightly under different lights. The plumage covering 
the flanks and overlapping the thighs is dense and long, while its brilliant blue and green colours 
contrast strongly with the olive plumage of the back and rump. When looked at in front, with the 
wings closed in against the body, the purplish vivid blue already described is very conspicuous. The 
carpal spur is shaped like the claw of the hind toe, but is less arched ; it is nearly one eighth of an 
inch thick at the base, and is dark brown, fading into horn-colour at the tip. 

Measurements. — Approximate length (measuring from tip of bill, following its curvature, and from 
the forehead to the end of the tail) 24*5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 10 ; from humerus to flexure 
3‘75 ; carpal spur '4 ; tail (to extreme tip) 4'75 ; bare part of tibia 1 ; tarsus 3-5 ; middle toe 3, its 
claw IT ; inner toe 2-2, its claw 1 ; outer toe 2’4, its claw "8 ; hind toe ‘75, its claw '75. Bill, from 
posterior edge of frontal plate to tip of upper mandible 3'4, from gape along edge of upper mandible 
2-5, along edge of lower mandible 2-25 ; greatest width of bill, measuring across from the summit of 
the arch, or culmen, to the junction of the rami 2. 

Ohservatims. — Taken altogether, the specimen is a very fine one — probably an adult female. 
The plumage is somewhat worn, the primaries and tail-feathers having their webs more or less 
abraded on their outer edges and tips. The edges and sides of the mandibles are considerably worn, 
indicating a fully adult state. The claws of the toes, and particularly that of the hind toe, appear to 
be much blunted by use. The colours of the plumage generally are brighter than in the supposed 
female specimen in the British Museum, but they are, I think, less brilliant on the whole than in 
the British-Museum male : notably there is an entire absence of the well-defined terminal margins 
of verditer-green on the wing-coverts which form crescentic bands in the type specimen. There are, 
however, as mentioned above, different blending shades of green and blue on the plumage of the 

* According to lladde’s ‘ JTomonelature of Colours,’ my “ olive-green ” of the back in the above descriptiwi is grass-green 
No. d mixed with yellow-green No. d ; my shades of “ verditer-green ” on the shoulder-plumage &c. correspond to blue-green 
No. P, or come between that and No. Q, with a mixture of grass-green No. K, although brighter; but there is no .standard in 
the whole of Radde’s formulary that realizes my “vivid purplish blue” — No. G comes nearest, but it lacks the depth and bril- 
liancy. It is quite obvious that where the colours run from one shade of brilliancy into another on the same feather and the 
general tone and effect vary in different parts of the same plumage, it is quite impossible to make any standard of colours 
exactly applicable for purposes of minute description. 



93 


wings, which impart to it a very beautiful appearance. My recollection of the female specimen in 
the British-Museum collection is that it has these crescentic markings far less conspicuous than in 
the male. 

Note. There appears to have been originally very little colour in the beak except on and below 
the fiontal shield and along the basal edges of both mandibles. The legs are in much the same con- 
dition as that presented by the legs in a dried Pukeko skin, the colours having faded out ; but there 
is enough colour left in the tarsi to show that the legs and feet were originally, as described above, a 
light (probably pinkish) red. The skin is much stretched by unskilful treatment after being removed 
from the body ; but I have allowed for the stretching in taking the measurements given above. 

I remarked to Professor Parker, on first taking up the specimen, that the legs appeared to be more 
attenuated than in the British-Museum examples, and the measurements which I afterwards made, 
as given above, prove that the toes are somewhat longer proportionately to the size of the bird, which 
is altogether slightly larger than the type-specimen. The frontal shield is, however, somewhat 
smaller, being just one inch across in its widest part, and ascending barely half an inch from the 
base of the culmen ; it has a corrugated shrivelled appearance in the dried specimen, and from 
the sides of the bill, at its base, the cuticle is inclined to peel off. The skin (in the dried state) 
is very tough, having the appearance and consistency of fine leather. 

Hah. South-west portion of South Island. As already mentioned, the first recorded specimen 
(in 1849) was obtained on Eesolution Island, the second, nearly three years later, on Secretary Island 
in Thompson Sound, and the third, which has formed the subject of this paper (in December 1879), 
on the eastern side of Te Anau Lake *. Taking these three localities as marking the points of a 
triangle describing the ascertained limits of its occurrence, we have before us the present range of 
Notornis over a considerable area of very broken and rugged country. As its fossil remains testify, its 
ancient range was far more extensive, including the North Island, and in prehistoric times probably 
reaching much further. 


Since the casual discovery of the third example of Notornis mantelli mentioned above, an active 
search for this bird has been prosecuted in many parts of the South Island, but hitherto without 
success. The most enthusiastic of these Notornis hunters is undoubtedly Mr. A. Reischek, who has 
now spent the best part of a year in the fruitless quest, having had, for months together, no other 
companion in these mountain solitudes than his well-trained dog Caesar. The last report received 
from him just as these pages were going to press — records his continued disappointment as regards 
N otornis, and also affords at the same time a glimpse of the hardships he has gone through in his 
persistent search for the bird, as the following passages will show ; — 

“ I again write to you something more from my diary. This time it will be a trip from the 

Paringa Station to the glacier region in the Alps behind. The weather had been wretchedly bad 

nothing but a continuation of rain, snowstorms, and gales, lasting a long time, which caused very 
heavy floods; but on December 12, in the evening, I was rejoiced to find the glass rising, and, with 
the hope that there would now be a few fine days, I at once packed my swag with provisions, ammu- 
nition, blanket, &c., and made an early start at 3 a.m. next morning, my dog Crnsar being my 
companion. I took a south-westerly direction up the mountain, following an overgrown track which 


Still more recently a fresh skeleton of Notornis has been found, the event being thus recorded in ‘ The Dunedin Herald ’ : — 
Curiously enough close to the spot in the Mararoa district where the live Takahe was caught, a skeleton very nearly comjdete 
has been found. There are all the large bones, with the beak and thirteen of the vertehrse. Host of the ribs, toes, and tops of 
the wings are missing. The longest leg-bone measures G| inches. The head is nearly 5 inches, measured round the curve of 
the beak. The skeleton was subsequently secured by Professor Parker, and is now in the Otago Museum. 


94 


had been cut to get sheep to the grass country above, but was now quite abandoned. The track led 
through dense forest, and in places was blocked by trees lying across. These giants, in some parts 
near the track, had been torn up and broken by some whirlwind, and lay like fallen men on a battle- 
field. You can easily imagine that this, together with the undergrowth which had sprung up, made 
travelling with a heavy swag rather laborious work. Only those who have travelled with swag and 
gun through such country and up steep hills have any idea of the labour required. 

“ In the evening the track got to an end, when I came out on the grass country, at 3500 feet 
above sea-level. Here I camped. Three dwarf birch-trees formed the roof of my shelter, and 
a few tussocks formed my bed. After lighting a good fire, I searched for water, which is generally 
found on these Alps clear and good ; but in this case I was doomed to disappointment, for all I 
could get was stagnant water full of insect-life. In spite of my fire and shelter, I found it bitterly 
cold; a sharp wind came from across the ice and snow of the glaciers which chilled me to the 
marrow. Sleep was out of the question ; and as the moon had now risen, I took some provisions and 
a gun and ascended higher. 

“It was a lovely night indeed, and Nature had put on her most romantic garb. How I wish 1 
could describe it to you ! Imagine the silver shimmer of the moon lighting up the landscape, causing 
endless shades and reflections of the hills and vegetation ; the valleys covered with a silver-grey 
mist, the sparkling stars competing with the glaciers in brightness, and the dark cliff's dotted over 
with patches of snow. All this grandeur and the solemn silence of the scene put me in mind of 
the fairy tales of my childhood. Yes ! here is loveliness enough, but the fairies have gone. I 
walked on for about three hours, up and down these mountains and gullies, when I heard the 
booming noise of some bird. Thinking I had now come on the bird I had so anxiously searched for 
on all my West Coast trips {Noiornis mantelli), I carefully followed up the sound, which led me to a 
lagoon ; but my disappointment was complete, for instead of a Notornis it proved to be a Bittern. 
Through the silence the booming appeared to be far louder than the usual sound of the Bittern. I 
was indeed much surprised to find this bird at an altitude of about 4000 feet. Journeying over huge 
blocks of rocks (which lay as if they were on purpose thrown together) on one side and deep preci- 
pices on the other, I came to a stop, and there was nothing for it but to await daylight. There being 
no vegetation, I could not light a fire, so had to walk about to keep warm. Dawn at last appeared, 
and no Laplander ever welcomed the glorious sun more joyfully than I did in this region. Still 
ascending, I crossed snow-fields which were of considerable depth in some places. The snow had 
been blown together, and was frozen so hard that 1 had to take my tomahawk to chop it down so as to 
get softer snow to refresh myself with a wash. My breakfast was snow dissolved in my mouth, with a 
little oatmeal and a few biscuits. The walking now became easier over the snow, and I was able to 
travel much faster. At last I arrived at the source of the left branch of the Paringa river, and a short 
distance from the Hooker Glacier. The grandeur of the scene caused me to stop, and although I have 
travelled through many of the mountainous parts of Europe, and have ascended some of the glaciers, 
I never beheld anything more beautiful than this charming scene before me. The sky was clear and 
cloudless. The Paringa river was seen winding its course, like a huge eel, through the valley in a 
northerly direction to the ocean ; N. W., Lake Paringa, like a horseshoe, and Lake Roskill lay buried 
in the dense forest below ; W.S.W., the Blue river with its oblong lake ; S. and S.E., a large extent 
of forest with dark cliffs and enormous fissures, and rugged snow-clad peaks. Then Mount Cook 
came in full view with his companion snow-capped mountains, and their network of glaciers stretching 
out for miles. It was bitterly cold and freezing. Then the sun rose higher, throwing his rays on 
the masses of ice and snow, and making them scintillate like mountains of diamonds. This imposing 
scene did not last long, I am sorry to say, for the heat of the sun caused a vapour to rise which 
soon covered up this lovely panorama.” 



J C^KEULTmans DEI. s EIT« 


JUDDS.C»LIMITED IMP 


SWAMP RAIL. 

ORTYGOMETRA TABUERSIS. 


(THREE -FOURTHS NATURAL SIZE) 


LAND RAIL. 
RALL, us PHILIPPENSIS. 





Order GRALLJJ.] 


[Fam. EALLID^. 


EALLUS PHILIPPENSIS. 

(BANDED RAIL.) 


Ballus fUlippensis, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 263 (1766). 

Bdle raye des Philippines, ButF. PI. Enl. 774 (1784). 

Philippine Bail, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 231 (1785). 

Ballus assimilis. Gray, App. Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 197 (1843). 
Ballus pectoralis, Gould, B. of Austr. vi. pi. 76 (1848, nec Less.). 
Ballus forsteri, Hartl. Arch. f. Naturg. 1852, p. 136. 

Hypotcenidia philippensis, Bonap. C. E. xliii. p. 599 (1856). 

Ballus hypotcenidia, Verr. Eev. et Mag. de Zool. xii. p. 437 (1860). 
Ballina philippensis, Wall. P. Z. S. 1863, p. 36. 

Ballus {Buldbeornis) philippensis. Martens, J. f. O. 1866, p. 28. 
Ballus pictus, Potts, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. iv. p. 202 (1871). 

1 Ballus macquariensis, Hutton, Ibis, 1879, p. 454 *. 


Native names, 

Patatai, Popotai, Mohotatai, Moho-patatai, Moho-pereru, and Puohotata ; “ Land-Eail ” of the 
colonists. 


Ad. supra brunneus, interscapulio saturatiore, plumis omnibus late olivaceo-fulvo lavatis et marginatis, plerisque 
albo maculatis aut iuterrupte trausfasciatis, uropygio tantum unicolore, supracaudalibus mintis albo notatis : 

Note on Rallus macquariensis, Hutton, Ibis, 1879, p. 454 ( 5 , obtained at Macquarie Island). — Is this form specifically 
distinct, or is it a mere variety of the -widely-spread R. philippensis ? Compared -with some Ne-\V'Zealand examples of the 
latter it might perhaps pass for a distinct species ; but on being judged along with a series exhibiting much variation in the plumage, 
its claims to separate recognition are seriously damaged. The nuchal colour is indicated by a wash of rufous among the plumage, 
and I observe, on moving the feathers, that this colour is more pronounced on one side than on the other, indicating, it would 
seem, a transitional state, or at any rate an indeterminate condition of plumage. The rufous colouring shades into brown on 
the har which crosses the eyes and flUs the lores, exhibiting only a tinge of rufous on the ear-coverts ; but the shape of that bar, 
spreading as it does belo-w the eye, is the same as we find it in Australian examples of Rallus philippemis. The grey super- 
ciliary stripe is certainly indistinct, hut it is nevertheless present, forming a mere line immediately over the eyes, but spreading 
out beyond. The banded markings on the sides and flanks are far less pronounced than in the bird of which I have given a 
figure ; but I have in my possession younger specimens with even less of this character than the Macquarie Island bird. At 
first glance the upper surface of the body would seem to be entirely without spots, hut on moving the plumage it wiU be seen 
that there are very distinct round white spots on some of the feathers composing the mantle, while on the primary-coverts they 
are of a tawny colour, and blend with the surrounding plumage. The quills are barred with chestnut, exactly as in R. phiUp- 
pensis, and the plumage on the crown of the head, throat, fore neck, and abdomen is the same ; there are shght indications of 
white spots on the lower sides of the neck, and there is a wash of rufous chestnut forming a hroad hand across the breast. 
There are no structural characters hy which to differentiate the species. Slight differences in the plumage are observable, but 
these are less than are to be found on a comparison of the New-Zealand bird with that inhabiting Fiji, and certainly not more 
than those existin,, between our bird and that from the Pelew group. Judging by the indistinct character of the markings on 
the sides and flanks, and the general softness of the plumage, I should conclude that Prof. Hutton’s type is a somewhat immature 
bird , and, for the reasons I have stated, I doubt very much its being more than a local variety of Rallus philippensis. 


96 


pileo summo olivascenti-bruniieOj unicolore ; strig^ superciliari angustsi antice albida, postice cinerea : striga 
altera a basi maxillae per oculum cluct^ ad collnm laterale conjuncta^ sordide eastanetl, torquem collarem 
distinctam vix formante : tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus et eodem modo albo notatis, majoribus extiis 
fulvo, intiis castaneo conspicue maculatis : alfi spuria remigibusque brunneis eastaneo transfasciatis, primariis 
extbs fulvescente notatis et albo anguste transrersim lineatis : cauda brunnea olivascente lavata : mento 
albo : genis et gutture toto cinereis, parte inferiore paullo olivascente lavata : corpore reliquo subtiis 
cinerascenti-brunneo^ fulvo aut albido crebre transfaseiato : torque pectorali pallide ferruginea, plus minusve 
distincta : hypocliondriis et subcaudalibiis nigricantibus albo distincte fasciatis ct fulvescente terminatis t 
abdomine imo fulvescenti-albo : rostro flavicanti-brunneo, ad basin rufescente : pedibus pallide brunneis : 
iride rufescenti-brunned. 

Adult. Crown of the head and all the upper surface brownish olive ; the feathers of the back and the inner 
scapulars broadly centred with brownish black ; the feathers of the hind neck and upper part of the back as 
well as the upper wing-covertSj marked on both webs with two spots of white, surrounded more or less 
distinctly with blackish brown ; streak over the eyes, chin, and throat greyish white, deepening into dark 
grey on the sides of the head and on the fore neck ; a band of chestnut-red, commencing at the base of the 
upper mandible, passes through the eyes and down the neck, uniting on the nape in a broad patch of the 
same colour varied with brown ; breast and sides of the body brownish black, crossed by numerous narrow 
well-defined bars of white, tinged more or less with fulvous, and tipped with olive- grey; on the sides and 
flanks the ground-colour is darker, and the bars are further apart ; across the breast a broad zone of reddish 
buff; abdomen, thighs, and vent bufly white; under tail-coverts black, barred with white and largely tipped 
with buff; primaries dark brown, the two outer ones crossed by narrow interrupted bars of fulvous white,, 
and the rest broadly barred on both webs with dull chestnut-red, varied more or less on the third quill with 
white ; secondaries barred in a similar manner, but with a whitish spot near the extremity of both webs ; 
outer scapulars brownish black, with numerous elliptical spots of white on both webs, and edged with pale 
olive-brown ; tail-feathers olive-brown, with darker shafts. Irides reddish hazel ; bill reddish brown at the 
base, fading into yellowish brown at the tip ; tarsi and toes light brown. Total length 12 inches ; extent 
of wings 17-5 ; wing, from flexure, 5-5 ; tail 2-5 ; bill, along the ridge I'G, along the edge of lower mandible 
1'75 ; tarsus 1'5 ; middle toe and claw 2; hind toe and claw '65. 

Female. The colours generally are duller, the nuchal collar is indistinct, the pectoral band is reduced to a narrow 
indeterminate zone of yellowish brown, and the bars on the underparts of the body are far less conspicuous 
than in the male, being much interrupted or broken. 

Young. Dilfers from the adult in having the upper surface lighter, the feathers having broader margins of 
fulvous brown, with very small white spots, and these widely scattered. The facial streak and nuchal collar 
are dull chestnut-brown, and not well defined. On the breast there is a mere wash of pale chestnut ; and the 
underparts and flanks, instead of being striped or banded, present only obscure broken bars, the whole 
plumage of the under surface being several shades lighter than in the adult, and suffused with pale fulvous. 
The axillary plumes, however, are perfectly black, with widely separated narrow white bars. The barred 
markings on the wing-feathers are even more pronounced than in the old bird, and extend higher on the 
coverts. Bill and legs pale brown. 

Chick. Covered with sooty black down of silky texture, but without any gloss ; bill greyish white ; legs blackish 
brown, darker behind. 

Var. At Napier I examined a partial albino which had been shot in the vicinity of the town ; — The vertex 
broad line over each eye, the cheeks and throat, also a broad irregular patch on the breast, nearly coverino- 
the place of the chestnut band, pure white ; on the neck and shoulders likewise some touches of white • +ht 
rest of the plumage normal. ’ 

Remarks. Like other members of the group to which it belongs, this form is liable to considerable variation 
of plumage. In the numerous examples which have come under my notice, the pectoral band, althouo-h 
never entirely absent, has varied both in extent and colouring from a narrow interrupted line of sandy buff 
to a broad zone of rich chestnut. Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub, in a communication to the Zoological Society 


97 


( ovember 26, 1869), state that in a set of specimens from the Pelew Islands, some had the rufous 
pectoral band, in two others it was entirely wanting, and in one bird there was only to be seen a faint trace 
of it ; ” and they therefore conclude that their so-called Rallus forsteri is nothing but a state of plumage 
due to age or season. The extent and colour of the facial band is likewise variable ; in some it is of a 
nch dark brown with well-defined edges, the grey plumage above forming a long narrow streak, while in 
others it is diffused, largely mixed with rufous, and spreading considerably on the hind neck. The distinct- 
ness of the white bars on the underparts varies in different individuals ; but this seems to be in some 
measure dependent on the age of the bird. An example which died in the Zoological Society’s Gardens, 
and was kindly forwarded to me by Dr. Sclater for examination, had the whole of the upper surface 
spotted with white, largely tinged on the wings with fulvous; others, again, I have seen in which the 
spotted markings were almost entirely confined to the hind neck and shoulders; but as it would be easy 
to bring together a complete intermediate series, this is of no value as a distinguishing feature. Mr. 
Potts’s so-called Rallus pictus, characterized by its decidedly superior size, would certainly be entitled to 
recognition but for the great variation in this respect to which this species is subject. The garter, or bare 
tibia, mentioned by Mr. Potts in his description of Rallus pictus (/. c.), is to be found also in' orfinary 
examples of our R. philippensis, although, of course, this feature is proportionally more conspicuous in the 
larger birds. No weight can be attached to the slight peculiarity in the shape of the bill, unless it should 
prove to be a constant character; for I can give an instance within my own experience of a very manifest 
modification in the bill of a Rail through purely accidental causes. On this point Dr. Pinsch writes to me as 
follows:— “I received in Ilaast’s last collection a specimen of the so-called Rallus pictus from the Okarita 
lagoon ; but I find that it differs in no way from those collected in the Pacific and elsewhere.” Mr. Gould 
also, in treating of this species *, regards the birds received from Southern and Western Australia, which 
are rather smaller and have more attenuated bills,” as mere local varieties. 

Among those in the Colonial Museum collection, one has the narrow snperciliary streak perfectly 
white in front ; another has the pectoral band of a rich buff colour, and about an inch in width, with the 
banded markings of the underparts very pronounced and extending up to the commencement of the fore neck 

Notwithstanding this extreme tendency to variation, I have never met with any instance of albinism 
except the one mentioned above. 

I have examined and compared a pretty extensive series from different regions with the following- 
result : — An example of Rallus philippensis from Fiji is more spotted than our bird, the round white spots 
spreading all over the mantle, wings, and upper tail-coverts; there is absolutely no pectoral band, not even 
an indication of it ; the nuchal collar of chestnut is very much enlarged, being about an inch and a half in 
depth, blending with the brown colour on the nape, but giving a rufous blush to the crown and forehead 
and extending in a broad bar across and somewhat under the eyes to the base of the upper mandible. In 
this tendency of the chestnut colouring to overrun the crown and vertex this bird shows an approach to 
Rallus striatus of India, in which the rufous crown and nape is a distinguishing feature. There is a further 
resemblance in the absence of the pectoral band ; but the striated character is entirely different, the wino-s of 
the latter being adorned with transverse and wavy lines or bars of white, which at once distinguishes this 
bird from all the others. In a bird from Pelew Island, on the other hand, there is only the slio-htest indi- 
cation of a nuchal collar, and the crown is faintly suffused with chestnut ; whilst a bar of dull chestnut 
brown covers the lores, passes through and under the eyes, and then becoming narrower, passes over the 
ears and fades away on the nape ; the spotted markings on the back and wings are less distinct, and in place 
of the pectoral band there is a mere wash of rufous yellow, forming a narrow zone. Moreover, the bill is 
decidedly more slender than in any of the preceding forms. The Australian bird is similarly marked to 
ours, the pectoral band and the banded markings on the underparts being very conspicuous, the former 
measuring more than half an inch in width, and being of a rich chestnut-brown. Owing to the absence of 
this interrupting pectoral band in the Fijian bird, the striped appearance of the underparts is very pronounced, 
especially as it reaches almost to the fore neek. In addition to this special feature, the bill, legs, and toes 
are appreciably stronger than in any of the other forms enumerated above. 


VOL. II. 


* Handbook to the Birds of Australia, vol. ii. p. 384. 


0 


98 


We are standing on the banks of the Horowhenua Lake, perhaps the most picturesque sheet of 
water in the North Island, Shaded by a lofty forest, and its banks clothed with beautiful evergreens 
to the water’s edge, studded with lovely wooded islets, and along the shore fringes of raupo alterna- 
ting with overhanging bush and charming little beaches, it is the perfection of a New-Zealand lake 
and a favourite resort for numerous waterfowl. We have just quitted our canoe, after a long day’s 
duck-shooting, and our Maori attendant is now securing it to a stake in the bank. The evening is 
advancing and all is still. A string of Black Swan, high in the air, are winging their way to some 
favourite feeding-ground near the coast ; a pair of Papango, having just emerged from a bed of reeds, 
are floating on the placid waters ; a small Black Shag with much awkward fluttering is settling itself 
for the night in a kowai bough overhanging the lake ; a solitary Pekapeka is flitting silently overhead, 
chasing in zigzag lines the minute insect-life upon which this bat subsists ; the locust has ceased his 
drumming, and the melancholy note of the F’ern-Sparrow, calling to his fellows among the rushes, has 
grown languid and finally died away ; now, with the deepening shade comes the doleful cry of the 
Morepork, and at intervals of five minutes the Koekoea, from a distant clump of bush, sends forth 
one long and plaintive scream, and then all is quiet again. We listen, and in the stillness of the 
evening there falls upon the ear, with peculiar effect, a sharp, shrill cry, like the scream of a startled 
sea-bird. Still we listen, and the cry is repeated over and over again before we are able with any 
certainty to locate the sound ; at first it seems in front of us, then to the left of us, then to the 
right; and whilst we arc still in doubt it ceases altogether. This is the cry of the Patatai, the subject 
•of this article. It is a difficult sound to denote by syllables, but easily distinguished from all the 
other voices of the field and forest. 

lhat the bird is semi-nocturnal in its habits I have no doubt, for on one occasion in the Here- 
taunga district I heard its unmistakable cry long after darkness had set in. It is also frequently 
heard in the early morning. 

Allowing that the varieties enumerated above are all referable to one and the same species, we find 
that this Rail enjoys a very extensive territorial range. It is found all over the southern portion of the 
Australian continent; and, unless Mr. Gould’s specimens from the north coast and from Eaine’s Islet 
should hereafter prove to be a distinct species, it has an almost unlimited range northwards, migrating 
from one part of the country to another with the changes of season. It occurs also in Polynesia 
proper, the Celebes, the Navigators’, the Caroline Islands, New Caledonia, and the Philippine Islands * 
It is spread throughout New Zealand in all suitable localities ; but owing to its extremely shy 
disposition, it is far oftener heard than seen. It rarely takes wing — and when it does, flies low and 
straight, with the legs trailing behind, and soon drops under cover again. But it is a nimble runner, 
and glides through the dense herbage with amazing facility. It feeds on insects, seeds, and the 
succulent parts of various native grasses ; and its habits generally are very similar to those of the 
Land-Rail {Crex pratensis) of Europe. 

It is also to be met with in the mangrove-swamps, in the branches of the Waitemata and 
Kaipara, at the Whangarei heads, and in other similar localities. 

Ihis is one of the few native birds that have perceptibly increased with the progress of settle- 
ment, the new conditions of life being favourable to their existence. Twenty years ago it was an 
extiemely rare biid in all parts of the country ; now it is to be met with in suitable localities every- 
where, and especially in the settled and cultivated districts. I have even heard its unmistakable 
cry on quiet evenings, from my own garden on Wellington Terrace, and very recently the local news- 
papers recorded the capture of one in the Union Steamship Company’s Offices in the very heart of 
the city. 

* The Otago Museum contains a veritable example from Macquarie Island, a fact of considerable interest from a zoo- 
geographical point of view. 


99 


I had a live one in my possession for several months ; bnt it was so incessantly active in its 
mo^ements that I had the utmost difficulty in making a life-sketch of it. This bird was brought to 
Me in the early part of March, and the plumage was then old and faded ; but the seasonal moult had 
a leady commenced, and about the end of May it was in beautiful feather. On being turned loose in 
a room it ran swiftly from one corner to another seeking concealment, and occasionally stretched its 
body upwards in a very grotesque attitude, as if surveying its new quarters. It partook readily of 
cooked potato, and drank freely from a saucer of water, after which it stalked about the room in an 
inquisitive manner, and several times flew upwards to the window. It was afterwards placed in a 
wooden cage ; but it seemed very impatient of this restraint, and manifested remarkable perseverance 
in Its efforts to escape. It could be heard night and day tapping the bars with its slender bill as it 
wandered up and down its little prison, and it seemed never to relinquish for a single moment the 
hope of delivery from its unnatural bondage. Although always timid, it became sufficiently tame to 
take food from the hand ; and when in the act of feeding, especially if supplied with fresh meat or 
insects, it often expressed its satisfaction in a low chuckling note. It frequently thrust its head into 
the water-vessel, but never bathed itself. 

Long afterwards I had another captive “Land-Eail,” for which I was indebted to Mrs. Mountfort, of 
Feilding. Although shy before strangers, it had become familiar with the inmates of the household, 
taking food from the hand, &c. I observed that after every mouthful of food thus administered the 
biid would run to its trough and take a sip of water. It also exhibited the restless habit, already 
described, of running up and down in the front of its cage, trying each bar with its bill, as if en- 
deavouring to escape. I had this bird in my possession for about six months ; but owing to its 
being kept in a solitary part of the conservatory, it soon relapsed into wildness, and ultimately made 
such vigorous and persistent attempts to get through the cage that the top of its head became com- 
pletely abraded and so bruised and injured that the bird actually died. It was almost carnivorous, 
hut seemed to prefer fresh meat minced up to any other diet. 

In its wild state it loves to climb the kiekie [Freycinetia hanksii), which clings to the trunks of 
forest trees, and feed on its ripe tawliara. Indeed this particular bird was caught in the act, and 
secuied by the hand before it had time to escape. 

Another which was kept for some time in the Colonial Museum, shut up in the same cage with 
^ tuatara lizard, exhibited a like spirit of restlessness, in strange contrast with the sluggish movements 
bee^^* companion. In the centre of its capacious cage a large Asplenium bulhiferum had 

een planted, and when not prancing up and down its chamber, the bird appeared to spend its time 
gfeMg with its bill around the roots of this fern, thus affording an indication of its habits in the 

state, where grubs and earthworms no doubt contribute to its sustenance. 

of the Banded Rail, which are placed in a rude nest on the ground, are from four to 
len<>tVi*^™^^^' sometimes even more; they are of a very rounded form, measuring 1-5 inch in 
more ^ breadth, with a polished surface, and of a creamy-white colour, marked all over, but 

re conspicuously at the larger end, with rounded spots of chestnut-red. There are three specimens 

^ar^Lom^^ similar size, being exactly of the measurement given above. They 

^nd spmTnal^^^ ^ stone-colour with a pinkish tinge, spotted thickly at the larger end, 

fbe spots ^ surface, with reddish brown. In the finest coloured of these specimens 

times con^u distinct, varying from dark purple to reddish umber, thickly set and some- 

entirely absent larger end, scattered in the middle circumference of the egg, and almost 

colour, and not^^ second specimen the markings are not so distinct, of paler 

a few purplisti b^^ SGf at the larger end. The third, which has a white ground, presents only 

with the exce ti barkings at the larger end, the rest of the egg being almost entirely clear, 

P on of a few washed-out looking specks, which are widely scattered over the surface. 

0 2 


Oedee GRALLjE.] 


[Fam. IIALLID^E. 


EALLUS BEACHYPUS. 

(SWAINSON’S RAIL.) 


Hallus hrachipus, Swains. Anim. in Menag. p. 336 (1838). 

Eallus lewinii, Swains, ibid. p. 336 (1838). 

Eallus lewinii, Gould, Birds of Australia, fol. vi. pi. 77 (1848). 

Lewinia hrachypus, Bonap. Compt. Eend. de FAcad. Sci. tom. xliii. (1856). 


Ad. similis R. philippensi, sed minor et saturatior et dorso hand albido maculato, primariis concoloribus : supercilio 
cineraeeo nullo, facie laterali et eolli lateribus saturate einereis, minime rufis, fascia pectorali cervina nulM 
distinguendus. 

Adult. Crown and sides of the head and hind neck dark rufous, each feather centred with black ; chin greyish 
white ; cheeks, fore neck, and bi-east olivaceous grey tinged with rufous ; upper surface dark olivaceous 
brown, the interscapulars largely centred with glossy brownish black ; the whole of the upper wing-coverts, 
the sides of the body, and the upper part of abdomen brownish black, fasciated with narrow and pretty 
regular bar’s of white; quills and tail-feathers dark brown, the scapulars black with olivaceous-brown 
margins ; flanks and lower part of abdomen with broken transverse bars of fulvous ; under tail-coverts 
crossed and tipped with white ; bill and feet dark brown. Total length 8’75 inches ; wing, from flexure, 4 ; 
tail 1’5; bill, along the ridge 1'3, along the edge of lower mandible 1‘6; tarsus 1’3; middle toe and 
claw 1’5. 

Young. Has the head very similar to R. philijipensis in its immature state ; plumage generally duller ; there is 
very little rufous on the head, and only a dull wash of rufous on the hind neck ; the fore neck and breast 
paler than in the adult, whitish on the throat and abdomen. 


Baron A. von Hugel thus records (in a letter to ‘ The Ibis,’ 1875, pp. 392, 393) his good fortune in 
obtaining a specimen of this Kail from the Auckland Islands, this being indeed my only authority for 
including the species in the Avifauna of New Zealand 

“ I have received a Kail killed on the Auckland Islands by the unfortunate Captain Musgrave of 
the ‘ Grafton.’ As soon as I got the bird I was struck with its resemblance to one of the Kallidee I 
was acquainted with, but for some time could not make out which. .At last it struck me that it must 
be the Australian Eallus hrachjpus ; and on comparing the Auckland with the Australian bird, I found 
them to agree very closely, though the colouring seemed different ; but as the Canterbury-Museum 
specimen appears to be very old and faded, it is impossible to judge. I shall be able to determine if 
my Kail is Eallus hrachypus, or new, as soon as I get to Melbourne, there being a good series there. 
At all events it is the first Kail known to have been procured in the group.” 

I he Baron has since informed me that a f urther comparison of specimens confirms his first con- 
jecture. The specimen is now packed away with the rest of his collection, so that I have not yet 
had an opportunity of examining it ; but I feel no hesitation in accepting his identification of the 
species. 


Okdee GEALL^.] 


[Fam. EALLIDiE. 


OETYGOMETEA TABFENSIS. 

(SWAMP-KAIL.) 


Tahuan Mail, Lath. Gen. Syn. hi. pt. 1, p. 235 (1785). 

Mallus fahiensis, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 717 (1788, ex Lath.). 

Crex plumbea. Gray, in Griffith’s Anim. Kingd. iii. p. 410 (1829). 

Gallinula immaculata, Swains. Classif. of B. ii. p. 358 (1837). 

Mallus minutns, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 178 (1844). 

Coretlirura tahwensis, Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 595 (1846). 

Zapornia spilonota, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 244 (1848). 

Morzana immaculata, Gould, B. Austr. vi. pi. 82 (1848). 

Porzana tahuensis, Hartl. J. f. O. 1854, p. 169. 

Zapornia iimhrina, Cass. Pr. Phil. Acad. viii. p. 254 (1856). 

Zapornia umhrata, Hartl. Wiegm. Arch. 1858, p. 29. 

Mallus minor, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7470. 

PorzanaX tahuensis, Gould, Handb. B. of Austr. ii. p. 341 (1865). 

Ortygometra tahuensis, Finsch & Hartl. Beitr. Faun. Centralpolyn. p. 167 (1867). 
Zapornia tahuensis. Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 63 (1870). 

Native names . — Pueto and Putoto. 


Ad. suprk obscure chocolatinus, alis dorso coiicoloi’ibus, primariis nigricantibus, extus dorsi colore lavatis : cauda 
uigricante vix dorsi colore lavata : pileo sordide plumbescente, obscure brunneo adumbrato, facie laterali 
paullb pallidiore : corpore subtiis sordide ciiiereo, hypocbondriis crissoque obsolete, subcaudalibus latius et 
magis conspicue albo transfasciatis : subalaribus cinerascenti-brunneis albo variis : rostro nigricanti-brunueo : 
pedibus pallide rubris : iride saturate rubr^. 


Adult. Head, neck, and all the under surface dark slate-grey, shaded on the crown with dull brown, and fading 
into light cinereous grey on the chin ; the whole of the back and upper surface of wings chocolate-brown, 
becoming darker on the rump and upper tail-coverts j wing-feathers blackish brown, dusky grey on their 
under surface; the first primary narrowly margined on the outer web with greyish white; tail-feathers dull 
brownish black ; inner lining of wings slaty brown, largely varied with wdiite ; axillary plumes and feathers 
covering the flunks tinged with brown, the former presenting obsolete bars and the latter minutely tipped 
with white ; under tail-coverts dark brown, with numerous transverse bars of white. Irides and eyelids 
bright red; tarsi and toes paler red; bill uniform brownish black. Total length 7'25 inches; wing, from 
flexure, 3-3 ; tail 2 ; bill, along the ridge ‘7, along the edge of lower mandible '8 ; bare tibia '4 ; tarsus 1 ; 
middle toe and claw 1'4; hind toe and claw 1'55. 


^ounff. Plumage darker and with less brown on the upper parts. Irides, bill, and feet black. 

ek. Covered with black down of a silky texture and delicately glossed with green. Bill black, with a minute 
■'Yhite spot near the tip of upper mandible ; irides and legs black. 

ke sexes are precisely alike in plumage. 

' y An example in the Otago Museum has the throat white, with slight indieations also of white down the 
fore neck and breast. 


102 


Ihis elegant little Rail has a wide geographical distribution. According to Mr. Gould it is universally 
spread over the whole of Australia, Tasmania, and the islands in Bass’s Strait. It also occurs in the 
Society, Tonga, and Fiji groups, and probably over the whole extent of the Polynesian archipelago. 
It is sparingly dispersed with us over both Islands, frequenting wet and swampy localities, and especially 
the dense beds of raupo {Typha angustifoUa), which afford it abundant shelter. Its compressed form 
enables it to thread its way among the close-growing reed-stems with wonderful celerity ; and although 
its low purring note (resembling that of a brood hen) may sometimes be heard on every side, it is 
extremely difficult to obtain a glimpse of the bird. Its body weighs only two ounces ; and its attenuated 
toes are well adapted for traversing the oozy marsh in search of its food, which consists of small fresh- 
water mollusks, insects, seeds of aquatic plants, and the tender blades of various grasses. It seldom 
takes wing, and then only for a very short distance ; but it runs with rapidity, swims very gracefully, 
and often dives to escape its enemies. 

Mr. Cheeseman writes to me I had supposed that this bird had disappeared from the vicinity 
of Auckland, but only a few months ago (1881) Mr. Symons sent me a specimen shot in the mangrove- 
swamps of Shoal Bay, quite close to Devonport. He assures me that he frequently sees the bird 
there. I have received specimens from Raglan and the Waikato.” 

It is still comparatively plentiful in a marshy spot near the mouth of the Ngaruhe creek, in the 
Hawke’s Bay district. After leaving the Petane village for the Maori settlement a few miles inland, 
the traveller passes over a sandy belt of some extent separating the ocean from a picturesque lagooii 
called Tangoio, deeply fringed and almost choked in some places with the luxuriant raupo vegetation. 
At the time of my last visit the weather was beautifully fine, there being not a breath of wind to 
ripple the surface of the lake, on the glassy face of which the fern-clad hills above, with their patches 
of native evergreen, were reflected as in a natural mirror. Amongst these raupo sedges the Swamp- 
Rail has its home, and may be heard, on every side, producing the peculiar purring note which denotes 
Its presence, although the bird itself is so rarely visible. From this locality I have received some fine 
specimens through the courtesy of Mr. Hamilton, who resides in the neighbourhood. 

Mr. Gould was never able to find the nest or eggs in Australia, nor have I been more successful 
in New Zealand ; but on one occasion I was fortunate enough to secure a brood of four newly hatched 
chicks. The old birds took refuge in a bramble-bush ; but on hearing the feeble cheep of their 
captured offspring they left cover, and, under a good running shot, I secured them both. The young 
birds, before they were caught, ran briskly, and, taking immediately to a ditch of water, endeavoured 
to elude further pursuit by diving. 

For specimens of this bird I have been chiefly indebted to a good-natured household cat, who 
was accustomed to bring them in killed, but otherwise undamaged, and allow herself to be robbed of 
her prey. Surely this cat merits an apotheosis in the Colonial Museum ! 

An egg of the Swamp-Rail in the Canterbury Museum is broadly elliptical in form, measuring 
1-3 by -95 of an inch, and is of a uniform pale creamy brown, minutely and obscurely freckled over 
the entire surface with a darker tint. The shell is slightly glossed. 


OuDER GllALLiE.] 


[Fam. EALLID^. 


OETYGOMETEA AFFINIS. 

(MAESH-EAIL.) 


Ortygometra affinis, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p, 14 (1844). 
Porzana affinis, Bonap. C. K. xliii. p. 599 (1856). 

Pallus punotatus, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7470. 

Ortygometra pygmcBa, Finsch, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. viii. p. 202* (1876). 

Native name. — Koitareke. 


supra oclirascenti-olivaceus, dorsi plumis medialiter nigris et albo vermiculatim aut irregulariter notatis vel 
marginatis : pileo paullulum obscuriore, nigro notato : tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus fere immacu- 
latis, majoribus autem versus apicem albo ocellatis ; remigibus brunneis concoloribus, primario extimo 
albido anguste marginato, secundariis medialiter nigricantibus dorsi colore marginatis et extus maculis albis 
notatis : cauda nigra satm’ate ochraceo lavata : supercilio distincto, facie laterali et corpore subtus toto 
cinereis, abdomine imo cum hypochondriis et subcaudalibus nigricantibus, albo aut maculatis vel transfas- 
ciatis : subalaribus cinerascentibus, albo notatis : rostro et pedibus pallide brunneis olivascente tinctis : 
iride sordide rubra. 


Adult. Crown of the head, nape, and all the hind neck rusty brown, with a broad mark of black down the centr 
of each feather; lower sides of the neck and the upper wing-coverts pale rusty brown, some of the feathers 
tipped with white ; hack and mantle brownish black, varied with white and broadly margined with rusty 
brown ; the secondary wing-coverts conspicuously ocellated on both webs, and terminally margined with 
white ; upper tail-coverts dark rusty hrown ; sides of the head, throat, fore neck, and the whole of the breast 
pale cinereous grey, fading to silvery grey on the chin ; sides of the body, flanks, abdomen, and under tail- 
coverts blackish brown, crossed by numerous irregular bands of white; wing-feathers dull olive-brown, dusky 
grey on their under surface, the first primary narrowly margined on the outer web with white ; lining of 
wings greyish brown, obscurely marked wdth white ; tail-feathers blackish brown, with rusty margins and 
obsolete spots of white. The tongue is furnished with a horny tip. Irides dull red ; bill, tarsi, and toes pale 
brown, tinged with olive. Total length 7 5 inches; wing, from flexure, 3'25 ; tail I'G; bill, along the 
ridge -7, along the edge of lower mandible *8 ; bare tibia '5 ; tarsus I'Oo ; middle toe and claw 1'5 ; hind 
toe and claw ‘6. 


5 ouuff. Differs from the adult in having the plumage of the upper surface generally lighter and the sides of the 
neck and upper parts of the breast much suffused with pale rufous ; the banded markings on the flanks are less 
distinct, the white bars being broken and the black more or less suffused with brown. Irides bright reddish 
brown ; bill pea-green shading into black on the upper mandible ; tarsi and toes pale olive, the joints and 
claws brownish ; tongue bluish green. Total length 7 inches ; extent of wings 10 ; wing, from flexure, 3‘3. 


06s. 


^ The bands on the flanks are more conspicuous in the male, and the ferruginous of the upper parts is 
Tighter ; in other respects the sexes are alike. There is no appreciable difference in size. 

This species closely resembles the Australian O. palustris, but is distinguishable by its somewhat larger 
ize and the absence of white markings on the primaries. 


belono-s reall " Ortygometra pygmaa, Naum. A specimen received from Dr. Haast, under the name of 0. affinis, 

TnnnTi n a ^ 'widely-distributed species. I compared it with specimens from various parts of Europe, Australia, and 

cannot detect the slightest constant character to keep it separate.” 


104 


Ortygometra pygmcea (another Australian species) differs from our bird only in having the chin, lower 
part of breast, and abdomen almost pure white. 

Note. On comparing a specimen from Oamaru in the South with one from North Waikato, the former differed 
only in having the cheeks and the abdomen lighter. 


This handsome little Eail is found in both Islands ; but it is everywhere extremely rare and difficult 
to obtain. It frequents the sedgy banks of creeks and rivers and the reed-covered lagoons near the 
sea-coast. It swims with great facility, and, like other members of the genus, often eludes pursuit by 
diving. Its food appears to consist principally of aquatic insects and small freshwater mollusks, in the 
pursuit of which its compressed form enables it to pass deftly among the close-growing vegetation of 
the swamps. It is also light on its feet; and I have observed it on the Hotuiti lagoon run nimbly 
along a floating raupo-flag without even dipping its feathers. Except that it nests early in the season 
(probably about August or beginning of September), very little is at present known of its breeding- 
habits ; but it may be safely inferred that they are in no respect different from those of the closely- 
allied species inhabiting Australia. 

This is, however, one of those recluse species that may exist for years in an inhabited district 
without ever being detected ; such birds, for example, as the Tristan d’Acunha Eail {Gallimda nesiotis), 
of which Sir George Grey gave me the following interesting account. He had incidentally heard of 
the existence of a flightless Swamp-hen in that island, and, at his instance, both Mr. Percy Earl and 
Mr. Edgar Layard had made a thorough search for it, without being able to find it or even to hear 
anything about it from the residents, who declared that the bird they described was a myth. In 
course of time a deputation from the inhabitants came to Cape Colony to seek relief from the 
Governor on account of a general failure in the crops, and a young girl (a native of the island), who 
had accompanied the party, remained behind as a servant at Government House. After several 
years’ service she was seized with a yearning to revisit the island of her birth, and begged for per- 
mission to go. Sir George told her she might go, but that he would never take her back again 
unless she brought with her some of the flightless Eails, with which she had professed to be quite 
familiar. A year afterwards the girl presented herself at Government House, bringing with her a 
cage containing five of these birds. They were put at once into the aviary, and during the night 
two of them had their heads torn off by jackals in an adjoining compartment. The three survivor's 
were forwarded to Dr. Sclater, who then characterized and named this hitherto unknown species 

Unlike the Banded Eail, which is on the increase, this bird is becoming almost extinct. At 
one time it was comparatively plentiful in the Hawke’s Bay district and further south. The only 
one I have heard of for some years past was captured alive at Waipawa. The frightened little crea- 
ture had taken refuge in a bunch of tussock, where it attempted to conceal itself, but was caught by 
the hand without any difficulty. 

It has always been very rare in the far north. The description of the young bird is from a 
specimen caught by my son’s dog when Pheasant-shooting in the Upper Waikato in November 1882. 
On dissection it proved to be a male. The stomach contained seeds and black comminuted matter, 
among which I detected insect-remains and an aquatic grub an inch long. There is a single specimen 
in the Auckland Museum which was obtained at Whangarei. 

A broken specimen of the egg of this species, recently brought by Mr. Henry Travers from the 
Chatham Islands, is described by Hutton as -77 inch in breadth, of an olive-brown colour, and highly 
polished. 

* Proc. Zool. Soc. 1861, p. 260, pi. xxx. 



J.G. K EUlE WANS DEL' iLl^h. 

JCDD i CV I fMITED, IM P 


north-island wood hen 

0 c Y D R 0 M U S GREY], 


BLACK WOODHEN. 

OCYDROMUS FUSCUS. 


'ONE-HALF NATURAL SIZE., 





1 


Order GRALK33.] 


[Eam. EALLID^. 


OCYDEOMFS GEEYL 

(NORTH-ISLAND WOODHEN.) 


Ocydromus earli, Duller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 165 (nec G. E. Gray, 1873) *. 


Native name . — Weka. 

Ad. $ rufescenti-fulvus : plumis corporis superioris medialiter nigricantibus, rufescenti-fulvo marginatis : pileo 
summo et collo postico saturate rufescenti-fulvis iudistincte nigro variis : supercilio distincto sordide cinereo, 
parte antic^ fulvescente : facie laterali rufescente, regione parotica fulvo varia : genis cum collo lateral! imo 
et gutture toto sordide cinereis : pectore superiore et laterali rufescente ; corpore reliquo subtus Isetius 
cinereo, liypoehondriis rufescenti-brunneis : rostro brunneo, versus apicem cinerascenti-corneo, culmine 
saturatiore : pedibus pallid^ brunneis : iride rufescenti-brunne^. 

Ad. ? mari similis, sed valde minor et obscurior. 

Adult male. Upper jiarts rufous fulvous, darkest on the crown and nape, each feather shaded with black in the 
centre ; throat, fore neck, a superciliary streak widening outwards and extending to the nape, lower part of 
breast and the abdomen dull cinereous, tinged more or less with rufous ; lores, sides of the head and neck, 
npper part of breast and snrface of wings bright rufous fulvous ; lower part of back, rump, sides of the body, 
and thighs obscure laifous brown ; wing-feathers fuscous black, with rufous-brown edges, the primaries 
banded on their inner vane with bright rufous ; tail-feathers fuscous black, with paler edges ; under tail- 
coverts fuscous, banded with bright rnfous. The feathers of the body are plumbeous at the base, with pure 
white shafts. Irides bright reddish brown ; bill reddish brown, darker on the ridge, and changing to horn- 
grey at the tip ; tarsi and toes pale brown, claws darker. Total length 21 inehes ; extent of wings 22-5 ; 
wing, from flexure, 7‘75 ; tail 4'75 ; bill, along the ridge 2, along the edge of lower mandible 2'25 ; 
tarsus 2‘5 ; middle toe and claw 3 j hind toe and claw 1. 

Adult female. Plumage similar to that of the male, but generally of a darker shade, and with the barred markings 
on the primaries more regular and distinct. It may readily be distinguished by its smaller size. An 
example taken on the nest (with egg and young bird) gave the following measurements : — Length 17 inches ; 

* On the synonymy of this species Professor Hutton has sent mo the following note ; 

“ I am sure that you are right about the identification of Ocydromus earli. I always agreed with you, and I do not under- 
stand how Finsch thinks otherwise. I think the following is about right : — 

“ 1. 0. earli. Gray ; ‘ Ihis,’ 1862, p. 26; also, 0. australis, Q-ray, iUd. in part ; BuUer, ‘ Birds of New Zealand.’ Whether 
or not it is the Kalins rufus of Ellman I have no means of judging. 

“ 2. O.fascus, Dubus; K. troglodytes, Forster, ‘ Deser. An.’ p. 110; K. fuscus, Ellman ? ; Buller, ‘ Birds of New Zealand.’ 

“3. 0. australis, Sparrm. ; Gray, in ‘ Voyage of the Erebus and Terror ’ (young only) ; Buller, ‘ Birds of New Zealand,’ in 
part (not the figure). 

“4. 0. troglodytes, Gvael. ■, 0. australis, Gi&j, ‘ Voyage of the Erebus and Terror’ (adult); and Buller, ‘Birds of New 
Zealand,’ in part, with figure. 

1 doubt 0. hraeliy]}terus, Lafr., being a synonym of either of these. Finsch thinks it is the same as 0. liectori, mihi, 
which is very probable. I have had two specimens of 0. fuscus sent to me from the Waiau district, on the eastern side of the 
Alps the region of 0. finscld, mihi ; so I now think that 0. finsclii is probably only the y'oung of 0. fuscus.” 

I do not admit 0. troglodytes as a species ; my plate in the former edition therefore represents a highly coloured example 
of 0. australis. 

VOL. II. -D 


106 


extent of wings 19-5; wing, from flexure, 7; tail 4; bill, along the ridge 1-75, along the edge of lower 
mandible 2; tarsus 2; middle toe and claw 2'5 ; hind toe and claw '75. 

Young. The colours of the underparts duller and more blended than in the adult ; upper parts darker and more 
uniform in colour. Throat, breast, and under surface generally dull brownish grey, paler on the throat, 
washed with ferruginous on the lower part of fore neck and on the sides of the body ; no rufous band on 
the sides of the face. 

Fledgling. The whole of the plumage of a dingy rufous brown, the feathers of the upper parts shaded in the 
centre with fuscous black ; paler on the underparts ; tinged on the sides of the head and breast with 
cinereous j feet pale brown. In the specimen above described there is no appearance yet of quills, and 
there is much flufly down still adhering to the plumage, especially on the head, lower part of back, and 
flanks. 

Chick. Covered with soft down of a brownish-black colour ; bill dark brown, with a small white speck near the 
tip of the upper mandible. 

Obs. Individuals vary considerably in the general tone of their plumage, as well as in the details of their 
colouring, seldom two specimens being found exactly alike. The ground-colour of the upper parts varies 
from a dingy rufous brown to a bright reddish fulvous. In some specimens the soft overlapping plumage 
of the wings is banded on both webs with light fulvous brown. The extent of the rufous colouring on the 
breast likewise varies very much, and in some specimens is entirely wanting, while in others in which this 
feature is conspicuous the rufous bands on the under tail-coverts are absent. This individual variability of 
colour, although due in some measure to conditions of age and sex, is characteristic of the genus. 

Partial albino. The following is the description of a very singular specimen obtained in the Manawatu district, 
and presented to me by Mr. J. T. Stewart, the Provincial Engineer : — Ground-colours as in the ordinary 
bird, but the whole body covered with straggling pure white feathers, especially on the crown, back, wings, 
breast, and sides ; primaries black, with numerous regular bars of chestnut-brown on both webs ; under 
tail-coverts obscurely barred with pale brown ; bill pale yellow, greyish at the tip of upper mandible legs 
pale yellowish brown. 

There is another somewhat similar specimen in the Colonial Museum, but more largely marked with 
white on the back, breast, and flanks. 


The Weka Rail or Woodhen is one of the few New-Zealand birds that already possess a literature. 
Cook mentions it in his ‘ Voyages ; ’ the naturalists who accompanied him figured and described it, 
but without being able to discriminate the different species * ; and nearly every general writer on 
New Zealand since that time has honoured it with, at any rate, a passing notice; while by some of 
them, as well as in the columns of various periodicals, its habits have been more or less fully narrated. 
No connected history of this bird, however, has yet been attempted ; and lest the present one should 
appear of unnecessary length, it must be borne in mind that this is one of those doomed species 
whose habits and economy I am bound, as a faithful historian, to describe in detail — not so much on 
account of their intrinsic importance as for the benefit of naturalists of a future day, who will seek 
in vain for the birds themselves, and to whom, as we may readily imagine, every recorded particular 
of this sort will possess the same interest that now attaches to Leguat’s rude account of the Didine 
bird of Rodriguez. 

In my former edition, I treated the North-Island Woodhen (as every one else had done before) 
as the Ocydromus earli of Mr. G. R. Gray’s ‘List ’ of 1862, and under that name I both described and 
figured it. 

Dr. Finsch was the first naturalist to raise any question about it ; for in a communication to 


* Forster’s description of Oeydronnis australis, in his MS. account of the Yoyage, was published by Sparrman in 1786. 


107 


the Otago Institute, in June 1874*, he said: — “Dr. Buller, in his great work, unfortunately does 
not mention the typical specimen of 0. earli. Gray, and not having compared it myself, I am unable 
to make out whether the true earli is indeed the bright cinnamon-red bird as Captain Hutton and I 
believe, or whether it is the same as 0. australis figured under the name of earli by Dr. Buller.” 

In 1878 1 published f a revision of the group (see infra, p. 120), in which I adhered to the 
nomenclature I had adopted, and added a fourth species {0. hrachypterus) to the list. 

In the autumn of 1885 I had an opportunity of examining at Auckland a large collection of 
birds brought by Mr. Keischek from the South Island. Among the most interesting of these was a 
species of Woodhen, closely resembling the North-Island bird, but distinguishable by its more 
cinnamon-coloured plumage and its brighter legs and feet. Of this Woodhen, Mr. Eeischek had 
obtained five specimens, two of which (male and female) I was fortunate enough to secure. 

On coming to England I hunted up the type of Mr. G. R. Gray’s Ocydromus earli at the British 
Museum, and then discovered to my surprise that this was identical with the new bird brought by 
Eeischek from the South Island, which must therefore stand as Ocydromus earli. This specimen was 
brought from New Zealand by Mr. Percy Earl, in 1845, but there is no locality assigned to it in the 
British-Museum register ; and its general similarity in plumage to the present species has led to a very 
natural mistake. 

It thus follows that the common Woodhen of the North Island is still without a distinctive 
name. 

I find, on looking over the old type-collection of birds in the British Museum, that Sir George 
Grey, K.C.B., was one of the earliest and most liberal contributors of specimens from New Zealand. 
I have therefore decided to distinguish this form as Ocydromus greyi. In thus dedicating the species 
to that veteran statesman and scientist, I feel sure that 1 shall have the approval of my ornithological 
brethren, both in this country and abroad. I do this the more readily because I have been compelled 
(as stated in Vol. I. p. 178) to destroy the only other connecting-link of the kind by expunging 
Stringops greyi from our list of species J. 

The range of this species is strictly confined to the North Island. Speaking generally, it is a 
rare bird in the country lying north of Auckland, is sparingly dispersed over the Waikato district, and 
is very abundant in the southern parts of the island. In former times, according to the accounts of 

* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. vii. p. 231. t Hid. vol. x. pp. 213-216. 

X To myself personally it is very gratifying to bo in a position to pay this compliment to Sir George Grey. He was tbe 
valued friend of my late honoured father and, in the early days of the colony, encouraged and aided him in his laborious missionary 
work. Moreover, I have a grateful recollection of many personal acts of kindness to myself in my younger days. But his real 
claim to special mention here is that, while holding high office, ho has always taken an active interest in the furtherance of Ornitho- 
logical science. In illustration of this I may mention that, as far back as 1863, when Governor of New Zealand, he urged upon 
me the preparation of a handbook on the subject for the use of colonial students. When, some ten years later, I published my 
‘ History of the Birds of Hew Zealand,’ he was the first of my many colonial friends to send me a cordial letter of congratulation. 
And when, at a subsequent date, at the request of the Colonial Government, I produced an illustrated ‘ Manual of the Birds of 
Hew Zealand,’ he sent me the following appreciative note 

“ Kawau, Jan. 28, 1885. 

“ My Dear BtriEER, — 

“ I am very much obliged to you for the copy of your ‘ Manual of the Birds of Hew Zealand,’ which you have been 
good enough to send me. I regard it as being in every respect a work of great value ; and it possesses this great advantage, 
that from the Diagram of a Bird which you have introduced into it, to illustrate the technical terms used in describing the 
various species, and from the lucid language in which each bird is described, you have rendered your work a most valuable 
introduction to the study of the science of ornithology, with the aid of which any student may readily master that subject in so 
far as it relates to Hew Zealand, and thoroughly understand any other ornithological work that he may read. In this respect 
you have rendered a great benefit to the youth of Hew Zealand. 

“ Truly yours, 

“ G. Grey.” 

P 2 


“ W. L. Buller, Esq., O.M.G.’ 


108 


the natives, it was extremely plentiful in every part of the country ; but for a period of more than 
thirty years it has never been met with in some of the districts far north. Its last refuge in 
the Kaipara was a small marshy island near Mangawhare, where in 1855 a few of them still existed ; 
and in the Whangarei district they were known to linger on the mangrove-flats near the present 
settlement as late as the year 1866. A specimen procured for me in this locality by Mr. Henry Mair 
enabled me to establish the identity of the species. In the provincial district of Wellington it is 
very generally dispersed, frequenting alike the woods and the open country. In the deep gullies of 
the Rimutaka ranges, on the marshy banks of the Manawatu river, in the low kahikatea swamps, and 
among the dry sand-dunes bordering on the sea I have at all times found it tolerably abundant. 

Among the farmers it has rather a bad reputation. There can be no doubt that it does some- 
times commit depredations. A friend of mine living in a country place was continually missing eggs 
from his poultry-yard ; and he determined to set a watch, when it was discovered that the Woodhen 
was the culprit. He observed the bird make straight for a nest full of eggs, tap a hole with its bill 
in each of them in succession, and suck up the contents. 

The Woodhen is furnished with ample wings, but they are so feebly developed as to render the 
bird quite incapable of flight. The quill-feathers have broad webs, but are soft and flexible, while 
the long inner secondaries take the form of a loose overlapping mantle. The legs, on the other hand, 
are very strongly developed, and the bird is, in some measure, compensated for its disability of wing 
by being able to run almost with the swiftness of a rat. Its anterior extremities, although useless 
for the ordinary purposes of flight, appear to be of some assistance to the bird when running, as they 
are briskly fluttered, apparently for the purpose of steadying the body. Like most other Rails, its wings 
are armed below the carpal joint with a sharp spur, the object of which, unless as a means of defence, 
it is not easy to divine. Even in very young birds it is strong and sharp, and at maturity attains a 
length of ‘25 of an inch. I have observed that when two of these birds are fighting they often butfet 
each other with their wings ; and I have frequently myself been made aware of the existence of this 
spur on seizing the bird with the hand. As, however, in the case of the smaller Rails, the spur is too 
diminutive to be at all effective as a weapon of defence, it may serve some other useful end in the 
economy of the bird, which has hitherto escaped discovery. 

It is a notorious fact of late that this species, notwithstanding its feebly developed wings, rendering 
it quite incapable of flight, is getting every year more plentiful in the settled districts of the North 
Island. The reason is doubtless to be found in the fact that while its natural enemies, hawks and 
wild cats, diminish with the progress of settlement, the cultivation of the country increases its 
advantages in the every-day struggle for existence. The nocturnal cry of the Woodhen is now very 
familiar in districts where a few years ago it was quite unknown. 

In discussing the osteology of this highly aberrant form of Rail, a curious fact was pointed out 
by Professor Newton, in a communication to the Zoological Society, namely that the New-Zealand 
Ocydromus and the Dodo of the Mauritius are the only two known forms (excepting, of course, the 
StrutMones) in which the angle formed by the axes of the coracoid and scapula is greater than a 
right angle * — ^a feature of such importance that Professor Huxley has since adopted it as one of the 

* Referring thereto, Professor Newton has favoured me with the following note : — “ This I pointed out at a meeting of the 
Zoological Society, held 12th December, 1865, when I described, for the first time in public, a portion of the scapular arch in 
Didus, in which the same thing occurs, and stated that, so far as I then knew (and, for the matter of that, still know), this 
feature was peculiar to these two genera alone among non-struthious birds. The remarks I made at this meeting were never 
printed ; for, learning that Prof. Owen wished to describe those portions of the skeleton of Btdus which Mr. George Clark had 
discovered, I caused my paper to be suppressed. (Of. PhU. Trans. 1869, p. 341, note.) I cannot attempt to give any reason that 
would plausibly account for this singular deviation of structure from the normal Carinate form in two birds so unlike as Ocydromus 
and Didus : there the matter is, and one must leave it at present.” 


109 


distinguishing characters in his proposed scheme for the classification of birds, under the two 
divisions of Carinatce and Matitce*. 

The Woodhen is seminocturnal in its habits, and during the day usually remains concealed in 
the thick fern or scrub which covers its haunts, or takes refuge in a hollow log or other natural 
cavity. Sometimes, however, it excavates a home for itself underground, the work being performed 
entirely with the hill and with great rapidity, as I have frequently had an opportunity of observing. 
These subterranean burrows are often of considerable length, and not only serve as a diurnal retreat, 
but furnish also a convenient breeding-place. 

This species is comparatively plentiful in the snow-country adjacent to Ruapehu and Tongariro, 
notwithstanding the severity of the climate at this altitude during a large portion of the year. As is 
well known, several berry-producing trees, such as the totara and the kahikatea, reappear on these 
mountain-heights in a remarkably dwarfed form, being indeed little more than scrub spreading over 
the ground. These diminutive representatives of forest-growths nevertheless produce berries of the 
full size, and these being accessible from the ground are eagerly sought after by the Woodhen, which 
becomes at this season excessively fat, and is in great demand among the Maoris in consequence. 
When proving, in the Native Land Court, the tribal title to this country, where, owing to the extreme 
poverty of the soil, it was difficult to discover the necessary acts of ownership in former times on the 
part of the claimants or their ancestors, I was always glad to fall back upon evidence of Weka- 
hunting within the disputed boundaries, as affording proof of ancient title. 

As we descend from the mountain-slopes to the Murimotu dowms — the land of the snow-grass 
and tussock — the Woodhen becomes less numerous, but in the widely scattered clumps of bush a few 
of them are always to he met with. In one of these localities, at the back of Mr. Moorhouse’s 
station, I found that they had been digging up and feeding upon the so-called vegetable caterpillar 
{Cordiceps rolertsii), which was unusually abundant there. 

As the evening shades begin to cover the land, the first note to be heard in the scrubby plains or 
at the edge of the darkening forest is the cry of the Weka, two of them invariably calling in concert. 
The female leads off with a sharp shrill whistle, followed before she has half finished by the male, 
the cry commencing with a peculiar growling note, like c-r-r-u, which breaks into a whistle. These 
cries are repeated by both several times in rapid succession, and then for a few minutes the birds are 
quiet ; again the shrill clamour and a pause ; and so on till the darkness of advancing night has 
silenced for a time even the vigilant Weka, and all around is still. 

♦ The late Professor Garrod sent me the following valuable communication on the same subject : — “ In its osteology and 
visceral anatomy, as well as in its myology, Ocydromus agrees completely with the Rails ; and its close relationship to Trihonyx is 
undoubted. The peculiarities depend on the reduction in the development of the anterior extremities, which causes the typically 
ralline sternum to be much reduced in size and the coracoid bones to be separated at their lower ends. The slenderness of the 
furcula, which is also peculiarly large, depends on the same cause. As in the tj'pical Rallidm, the skuU is sohizognathous and 
holorhinal ; in other words, the maxillo-palatino bones of either side do not anchylosc along the middle line, and the nasal bones 
are not split up as in the true Waders or the Gulls. The vomer is well developed, and reaches forward, as far as the anterior 
border of the maxillo-palatines ; it is bifid behind. The wing-bones are feebly developed, and those of the leg are unusually 
strong. The poUex carries a long claw ; the hallux is small and raised at its base. 

“ There are two carotid arteries as in the Rails ; and the cseca of the intestine are just three inches long, the intestine itself 
being a little over two feet from pylorus to anus. The gizzard is weak ; the oil-gland on the coccyx carries a densely feathered 
tuft at its apex. 

“ So many features have they in common, that it would be difficult for any one to bring convincing arguments against the 
statement tkat Ocydromus is one of the nearest allies of the Apteryx. This similarity may be the simple result of similar influ- 
ences acting on different natures, the diminished necessity for the use of the anterior limbs allowing them to dwindle in both. 
But, with the facts of geographical distribution to back it, the opinion may be fairly maintained that Apteryx and Ocydromus had 
the same ancestor not far back in time. It may be said that the pelvis is very different ; but the same remark partly applies to 
Timmius, an undoubted ally, and a bird also most probably of the same stock, though residing so far off.” 


no 


As will appear further on, the Woodhens inhabiting the South Island belong to several totally 
distinct species, although closely resembling the present one both in form and habits of life. Now it is 
a curious fact that while all the southern species are remarkably bold and fearless (so tame, indeed, as 
to visit the farmer’s yard, and sometimes even to enter the house), the northern bird is naturally shy 
and recluse — a development of character which Sir James Hector attributes to its “ greater experience 
of the treachery of man,” the North Island having always possessed a large Maori population. So 
shy, indeed, is the latter species, that, notwithstanding its loud shrill cry, it is quite impossible to find 
it without the aid of a good dog. 

I have on several occasions kept caged Woodhens for a considerable time ; but, although I 
persevered in one instance for more than two years, I could never succeed in completely domesticating 
them. I was thus afibrded, however, an opportunity of studying their character, which may be 
summed up in two words — pugnacious and gluttonous. The introduction of a piece of red cloth, or 
other brightly coloured object, was generally sufficient to excite the bird and make its feathers rise ; 
but the presence of another Weka, whether male or female, would instantly provoke a display of 
hostility, and after some light skirmishing a fight would ensue, which generally, in the end, proved 
fatal to the intruder. On one occasion I introduced into the cage a small mirror, and watched the 
effect ; ruffling its feathers and stretching out its neck, the Weka advanced slowly towards the glass, 
and then made a sudden dash at its supposed adversary, and continued to repeat the attack with so 
much passion and violence, that I thought it prudent to remove the exciting object, to save the bird 
from injuring itself. On the charge of gluttony I may say that not only were my captives omnivorous, 
devouring fish, flesh, and fowl, whether cooked or raw, boiled potato and other vegetables, green 
fruit, and, in short, every thing within the digestive power of the gizzard, but they also had a most 
inordinate and voracious appetite. As a proof of this, I may state, by reference to my note-book, 
that a single bird in the course of two months consumed nearly a hundredweight of cooked potatoes ! 
In a wild state it subsists on berries of various kinds, with earthworms, grasshoppers, and other insects, 
while it never loses an opportunity of entombing in its capacious stomach a mouse or lizard. In the 
South Island Sir James Hector has observed the Woodhens attacking full-grown rats, and Sir Julius 
Haast has frequently seen them capture and devour small birds. That they are given to plundering 
the nests of other birds that build on the ground, devouring alike the eggs and young, is now a well- 
known fact ; and on this account Sir George Grey has found good reason to regret his too successful 
attempt to stock his beautiful island-home at Kawau with Woodhens from the mainland ! Even 
here this doomed species will now no longer find an asylum. 

In the daytime it moves about under thick cover with a stealthy gait, and continually flirts its 
tail upwards after the manner of the true Eails. The tail-feathers are of peculiar texture, having 
stiff shafts with loose disunited barbs ; and in some specimens the shafts are found denuded at the 
tips for the space of nearly an inch. In skinning this bird, one is struck with the extraordinary 
development of the tibial muscles as compared with the humeral, betokening at once the habits of 
life already described. The skin is very tough, and adheres firmly to the body, especially on the 
thighs. There is another circumstance worth mentioning — namely that some Wekas have a strong 
inherent odour, which communicates itself to the hand if rubbed along the plumage, and does not 
entirely leave the dried skin, while others are wholly free from it. It is not dependent on sex, nor 
is it peculiar to any season of the year ; but where it does exist, it differs perceptibly in degree in 
different examples. Possibly this may result from the long-continued occupation of a burrow rendered 
foul by the omnivorous habits of the bird. 

It commences to breed early in September ; for on the 30th of that month I saw a fine Weka 
chick at Archdeacon Hadfield’s house, at Otaki, and another at Wanganui some days earlier. 

The sharp whistling cry of the Woodhen is a familiar sound to the benighted traveller as he 


Ill 


toils through the high fern, or seeks a camping-place at the edge of the forest. Long after the 
twilight has faded away he may hear at intervals the peculiar toll-note of the Tui, cho^-cliop-chojp, or 
the far-off cry of the Koheperoa ; but the note that will last, at intervals, through the long watches of 
the night is that of the Weka, generally thrice repeated and followed by a shriller one, the two sexes, 
as already stated, performing in concert. In the dark Faffus-forests of the hills, where even Owls are 
scarce, the cry of the Woodhen is the only sound that breaks the stillness of the night ; and, owing 
to its peculiar shrillness, it may be heard to a considerable distance. In some conditions of the atmo- 
sphere, indeed, it is almost impossible to distinguish it from the piercing call of the A])teryx. 

During certain seasons of the year the Weka keeps strictly to the woods, seeking its subsistence 
among the fallen ddbris of the forest vegetation, and digging for worms and grubs in the loose 
vegetable mould that accumulates around the roots of the trees. It may often be seen leisurely 
crossing the narrow bush-path, or turning over the fallen leaves in the more open parts of the forest ; 
but in these localities it is always difficult to procure because of the abundant cover, and the impos- 
sibility of hunting it far even with a dog. In the soft sunshine of November, when the noisy hum 
of insect life betokens the presence of midsummer — when the low underwood is spangled with the 
snow-white flowers of the wild convolvulus and the air is laden wnth a delicious perfume from the 
waxy blossoms of the small Clematis — the Weka leaves the dark shade of the forest and comes forth 
with her well-grown brood to feed on the ground-berries that ripen at this season, and to feast on 
the crickets and beetles that are brought into activity by the genial warmth of the sun. Here it may 
be easily hunted down and captured with the aid of a dog. 

As already stated, the Woodhen often converts its burrow into a breeding-place; but the 
following description of a nest found on the banks of tbe Manawatu river will show that other situa- 
tions are sometimes selected. An aged kahikatea in tumbling to the ground had fallen athwart a 
huge gnarled stump, and remained in that position. Under the shelter afibrded by the overlying 
trunk and among the knotted roots of the supporting stump the Weka had placed her nest, forming 
it of dry flags of the puwharawhara [Astelia cunningliamii) loosely arranged. The nest was so 
admirably concealed by a growth of ferns that nothing but accident could have led to its discovery. 
It contained two eggs, which is the usual number, although I have occasionally met with a nest of 
three. These are slightly ovoido-conical in form, measuring 2’4 inches in length by 1'7 in breadth, 
and are of a creamy white colour, marked all over, but especially at the larger end, with small obscure 
spots of purple and brown. Examples differ slightly both in size and form ; and in some the 
markings at the thick end assume a rounded well-defined character, similar to those which adorn the 
eggs of Ballus pliilippensis. 

On the outskirts of the woods this Rail may sometimes be seen consorting with the half-wild 
barndoor fowls from the Maori villages, and there is a widespread popular belief that they often inter- 
breed, producing a hybrid offspring with hairy plumage and aborted quill-feathers. One of these 
supposed hybrids (a fine male bird) was sent to me by Dr. Lewis, the Medical Superintendent at 
Rotorua, and having brought the specimen to England, preserved in spirits, I placed it in the hands 
of the well-known comparative anatomist. Dr. Murie, for examination. He made a careful dissection 
and sent me a full report, showing that, notwithstanding a certain outward or superficial resemblance 
to a Weka, all the characters are Galline and not Ralline. Another specimen (an adult female), which 
I obtained at Manawatu, was submitted to Mr. Frank Beddard, the Prosector to the Zoological 
Society, and with a like result. This question may therefore be regarded as finally set at rest. 


Oedeb GEALLjE.] 


[Fam. EALLIDjE. 


OCYDEOMTJS FUSCUS. 

(BLACK WOODHEN.) 


Gallirallus fuscus, Du Bus, Esquisses Orn. pi. 11 (1847). 
Ocydromus nigricans^ Buller, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. i. p. Ill (1868). 
Ocydromus fuscus, Finsch, J. f. O. 1870, p. 354. 

Ocydromus Jinschi, Hutton, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. vi. p. Ill (1873). 


Native name. — Weka-pango. 

Ad. brunnescenti-niger, plumis plus minusve rufescenti-brunneo marginatis : gutture et facie lateral! cinereis vix 
brunneo tinctis : abdoruine medio sordide cinereo : remigibus brunnescenti-nigris, intus rufescenti-brunneo 
maculatis : cauda nigra : subcaudalibus ferrugineo transfasciatis : rostro nigricanti-brunneo : pedibus pallide 
brunneis : iride saturate brunned. 

Adult. General plumage brownish black, each feather margined more or less with rufous brown j throat and 
sides of the head cinereous, slightly tinged with brown ; middle portion of abdomen dull cinereous ; qnills 
brownish black, obscurely banded or spotted on tbe inner webs with rufous hrown ; the soft feathers lining 
the wings faintly margined with rufous ; tail-feathers black ; under tail-coverts transversely barred with 
rufous. Irides bright reddish brown ; bill dark brown, tinged with red towards the base ; legs bright 
reddish brown ; darker on the hind part of tarsi and on the under surface of toes. Total length 22 inches ; 
extent of wings 23*25 ; wing, from flexure, 7*25 ; tail 5*25 ; bill, along the ridge 2, along the edge of lower 
mandible 2*4; tarsus 2*25 ; middle toe and claw 3 ; hind toe and claw 1. 

Young. In young birds the plumage of the upper surface is more or less varied with rounded spots of rufous 
brown, and the primaries are obscurely banded with rufous. These quill-markings disappear after the first or 
second moult, the spots vanish, and the rufous streaks on the upper surface diminish as the bird gets older. 

Ohs. Examples vary in the amount of rufous colouring that pervades the plumage, some being almost wholly 
black and without any markings on the quills. A specimen in Sir James HectoFs collection of birds in the 
Otago JMuseum has no bars on the under tail-coverts j and another, in my own collection, has the fore neck 
and hreast largely suffused with fulvous brown. The measurements given above were taken from a freshly 
killed male bird. Another male measured 21 inches in length and 22*5 in extent. 

An apparently adult female specimen of this bird in the Canterbury Museum (obtained at Preservation 
Inlet) has the general plumage brownish black ; throat dark grey mixed with smoky brown ; the plumage 
of the fore neck, lower hind neck, and upper surface of wings presenting dull streaky marks of rufous, each 
feather being irregularly touched with this on each web ; tail-feathers black ; under coverts obscurely 
marked with rufous. On the underside of one of the primaries (an old feather which came out on 
being handled) there are obsolete rufous bars ; and the scattered new feathers appearing on the upper 
surface of the body are almost entirely black ; bill bright reddish brown at the base, horn-grey towards the 
tips of both mandibles ; legs and feet reddish brown. It may be inferred from this state of plumage that 
the tendency of this species is to darken towards maturity. 

Remarks. The type of Hutton's Ocydromus finschi, with a label in his handwriting attached, is now in my 
collection. Prof. Ward, of Eochester, obtained it by exchange from the Otago Museum, and I was fortunate 
enough to get it back from New York six months afterwards. In this bird the primaries are very distinctly 


113 


barred, the loose feathers overlapping them have series of yellowish-bulF spots on both vanes, and the 
feathers covering the flanks are barred or fasciated in the same manner. Besides this, the feathers have 
paler margins, the throat and cheeks arc of a purer grey, and the breast is dark chestnut-grey. In the type 
of 0. fuscus the breast is like the rest of the plumage ; but I have had specimens in which this grey feature 
was quite conspicuous. I have come to the conclusion, therefore, that these differences merely denote transi- 
tional states of plumage. 

There is a similar specimen in the Canterbury Museum from the West Coast (South Island), and there is 
another from Preservation Inlet (marked , Jan. 1873), in which the plumage is intermediate between the 
type of 0. finschi and ordinary examples of 0. fuscus, the general coloration being black with brown edges 
to the feathers. Judging by analogy I feel no hesitation in pronouncing this the immature condition of 
the Black Woodhen. Professor Hutton himself has already conjectured that his “ O. finschi is only the 
young of 0. fuscus ’’ i and Dr. Finsch, to whom he had dedicated the supposed new species, has expressed 
a strong suspicion that one was a mere variety of the other. I think we may now take it that the matter 
admits of no further doubt. 


This species of Woodhen, which is quite distinct from all the others, although for a long time 
confounded with them, inhabits the sea-shore and feeds among the kelp and seaweed. Hitherto it 
has only been found on the south-west coast of the South Island, where it is said to be extremely 
abundant. There can be no doubt that this is the bird referred to by Captain Cook in the following 
passage : — “ Although they are numerous enough here [Dusky Bay], they are so scarce in other parts 

that I never saw but one They inhabit the skirts of the woods, and feed on the sea-beach, 

and were so tame or foolish as to stand and stare at us till we knocked them down with a stick 

They are a sort of Rail, about the size and a good deal like a common dunghill hen. Most of them 
are of a dirty black or dark brown colour . A description and figure of this species, under the 
name of Gallirallus fuscus, [1. c.) in 1847 ; but, owing to a doubt as to its native habitat, 

it was not admitted into the accepted list of New-Zealand birds. More recently, however, it was 
rediscovered by Dr. (now Sir James) Hector, and described by myself {1. c.) under the name of 
Ocydromus nigricans. Dr. Finsch having, at my request, compared one of my specimens with the 
type of Gcdlirallus fuscus (Du Bus), there could no longer be any doubt about their identity. 

Sir J. Hector informs me that he never met with this kind of Woodhen at any distance from the 
sea-coast, and that it appears to subsist entirely on shell-fish and other marine productions. 

Like its congeners, it may be easily snared by dangling a small bird or a mouse at the end of 
a stick, about a yard long, and then, by means of another stick somewhat longer, slipping a noose 
of green fiax over the bird’s head as it attempts to seize the bait, the operator partially concealing 
himself by lying in the fem or grass. 

The following record, in Hammett’s Journal of the West-Coast exploration in 1863, refers 
apparently to the same bird : — “ Thursday, August 20 [after being on the verge of starvation for 
forty days]. Still raining in torrents ! My blankets and my clothes are saturated. All that 1 can 
do is to stand in the pitiless rain, which can make me no wetter, and watch the surf as it rolls towards 
my feet. It is impossible to get a fire. I have caught two Woodhens; for as God sent the Ravens 
to feed Elijah, so these birds came to me, and my faithful dog caught them. I am thus provided 
with food for a day or two ; but unless I can manage a fire to cook them, I must even eat them raw. I 
live in hope that the weather will clear, as the wind has changed. My faithful dog, how serviceable 
in many ways have you been to me ! ” Thus poor Hammett records his gratitude for the gift of 
Woodhens — the only inhabitants, besides rats, of this inhospitable coast. The occasional capture of 
one of these birds sufficed to keep him from absolute starvation, and through much suffering and 
privation Hammett survived to tell the melancholy fate of the rest of his party. 

* Cook’s Second Voyage, edit. 4to, i. p. 97. 


VOL. II. 


Q 


I 


114 

My late brother, Mr. John Buller, obtained a pair of these birds from a dealer in Dunedin in 
1869 ; and they lived in my aviary for more than a year. In captivity their habits differ in no 
respect from those of the species already described. I remarked, however, that one of them had a 
practice of mounting to a particular spot on the ledge of the aviary almost every day, and remaining 
in a perfectly motionless attitude for hours together. On one occasion a large brown rat effected an ■ 

entrance by undermining the aviary, and was killed and partly devoured by them ; and at another 
time a North- Island Woodhen {Ocydromus greyi\ which I had introduced, met with a similar fate. 

In fact, when deprived of its marine bill of fare, this species is quite as omnivorous as the others. 

In connexion with this, the ‘ Canterbury Mail ’ records the following case of anthropophagism : — 

“ A returned digger relates that he captured a Woodhen in the act of feeding on the remains of a man, 
and being himself almost famished he quickly devoured the bird. To use the words of a well-known 
banker in London, who is the gourmet par excellence of the day, — ‘ That man. Sir, would eat his 
own father ; he has the stomach of an Ostrich.’ ” 

Lady Barker, in her charming little book, ‘ Station Life in New Zealand,’ gives the following amusing 
account of her first acquaintance with the Woodhen: — “I lay back on a bed of fern watching the 
numbers of little birds around us. They boldly picked up our crumbs, without a thought of possible 
danger. Presently I felt a tug at the shawl on which I was lying. I was too lazy and dreamy to 
turn my head ; so the next thing was a sharp dig on my arm which hurt me dreadfully. I looked : 

round, and there was a Weka bent on investigating the intruder into its domain. The bird looked i 

so cool and unconcerned, that I had not the heart to follow my first impulse and throw my stick at i 

it ; but my forbearance was presently rewarded by a stab on the ankle which fairly made me jump up 
with a scream, when my persecutor glided gracefully away among the bushes, leaving me, like Lord 
Ullin, ‘lamenting.’ ” The same pleasing writer, in giving an account of the Island of Wekas in Lake 
Coleridge, observes : — “ No one can imagine how these birds came here ; for the island is at least two 
miles from the nearest point of land ; they can neither swim nor fiy ; and as every man’s hand is 
against them, no one would have thought it worth while to bring them over ; but here they are in 
spite of all the apparent improbabilities attending their arrival, more tame and impudent than ever ! 

It was dangerous to leave your bread umvatched for an instant; and, indeed, I saw one gliding off 
with an empty sardine-tin in its beak ; I w'onder how it liked the oil and little scales ! They con- 
sidered a cork a great prize, and carried several off triumphantly.” 

Mr. Keischek informs me that, at the West Coast sounds, long after dark, he observed a bird 
swimming near the shore and sent his dog into the water after it. On being pursued the bird 
dived; and on being captured it proved to be a Black Woodhen. It is as mischievous as its cousin 
of the plains. An enterprising one entered Reischek’s tent during the night and carried off his last 
candle ; and he surprised another, in the early dawn, carrying off one of his slippers. 

Although, as already mentioned, it frequents the sea-shore and feeds on the kelp, the last-named 
naturalist met with it also, but only on rare occasions, at an elevation of 3000 feet above the sea. 

From a place of concealment he once w^atched a Black Woodhen hunting for its food ; he observed 
that it scratched up the ground with its feet, just as a domestic fowl would do, and then picked it 
over with its bill. In illustration of its hardy nature, he told me that one which he had shot and 
hung up for a specimen soon revived and made its escape. Three days afterwards the dog caught it, 
and he found the body marked all over with shot. As might have been expected, his collection 
contained specimens in every condition of plumage. He found it very plentiful on the shores of 
Dusky Sound and of the Acheron passage ; those which he collected at a higher elevation appeared 
to be larger birds and in much finer plumage than those frequenting the sea-shore. 



I 


Oedee GEALL^.] 


[Fam. EALLID^. 


OCYDEOMUS EAELL 

(BROWN WOODHEN.) 


Ocydromus earli. Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 238. 


Ad. similis 0. yreyi, sed pallidior, et tergi colore minus nigrescente : fascia pectorali castauea vix obsoleta ; liypo- 
cbondriis subalaribusque fulvo minutb terminatis et fasciatis : rostro rufescenti-brunueo : pedibus aurau- 
tiaco-flavis. 

Adult. Similar to Ocydromus greyi, but generally lighter, having less black on the upper surface, and the plumage 
suffused with warm cinnamon-brown ; the primaries are more distinctly barred ; there is little or no pectoral 
band, the plumage of the breast being irregularly stained with cinnamon ■, there is less grey on the under- 
parts j the under wing-coverts and the flanks are obscurely barred and tipped with fulvous brown j and the 
markings on the under tail-coverts are obsolete. Irides yellowish brown ; bill pale reddish brown ; legs and 
feet beautiful pale lake-red. Total length 18‘5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 8 ; tail 4‘5 ; bill, along the ridge 3, 
along the edge of lower mandible 2T ; tarsus 2‘4 ; middle toe and claw 2'6. 

Obs, The plumage is perceptibly softer to the touch than in 0. greyi, and has a more delicate appearance. 

Mr. G. R. Gray, in his original description {1. c.), says that the bill and feet are “ horn-coloured.” This 
is applicable to the dried specimen from which his description was taken, but it is obvious, at a glance, that 
the colours of these parts have faded out in drying. 


I HATE already mentioned (at p. 107) the circumstances under which I discovered that this bird, 
which belongs really to the South Island, had been, for many years, confounded with the North- 
Island Woodhen under the above name. 

It is, indeed, a strange fact, in the local distribution of species, that a Woodhen so closely re- 
sembling in plumage the form inhabiting the North Island should have been met with in two 
far distant localities on the western side of the South Island. In 1877, Mr. lleischek obtained one of 
these birds on the summit of Mount Alexander. His dog had caught a downy chick, whose cries 
attracted the parent, which, on being shot from the camp fire, proved to be a female of this species, 
with pale reddish-coloured legs. He forwarded the specimen to the late Sir J. von Haast, who sent 
it on to the Imperial Museum at Vienna. Some years later Eeischek met with this bird again in the 
vicinity of Milford Sound, and two of the specimens then collected by him (male and female) are 
now in my collection. It may be readily distinguished from the northern bird by the Avarmer tints 
of its plumage and the brightness of its irides, bill, and feet. 

Its occurrence under the conditions I have mentioned is a very curious and suggestive fact, 
especially when w'e remember that at least three other well-marked species of Woodhen occur 
in the South Island, although not met with in the North Island. 

The peculiar whistling cry of the Woodhen, which is usually commenced at sunset and is 
continued, more or less, all through the night, is very pleasant to hear. A pair of them usually 
perform together, calling alternately and in quick succession, the female always taking the lead. She 
commences with a low whistle, preceded by a guttural sound from the chest (only heard on a very 
near approach), and the call increases in force till it becomes a shrill whistle, the responsive call of 
the male being pitched in a different key. 

Of the five specimens brought by Reischek (three males and two females) one pair was obtained 
on Cooper’s Island, separated from the mainland by half a mile of sea, and the others in a clump of 
natir^e fuchsia at an elevation of 1000 feet. 

Q 2 


Oedee GEALL^.] 


[Fa-u. EALLID*E. 


OCYDEOMUS AUSTEALIS. 

(SOUTH-ISLAND WOODHEN.) 


Troglodyte Rail, Lath. Gen. Syn. v. p. 229 (1785). 

Rallus australis, Sparrm. Mus. Carls, t. 14 (1786). 

Rallus troglodytes, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 713 (1788). 
Ocydromiis troglodytes, Wagler, Syst. Amph. p. 98 (1830). 
Ocydromus australis, Strickl. Ann. N. H. vii. p. 39 (1841). 


Native name. — Weka. 


Ad. supr^ Isete stramineus, dorsi plumis medialiter brunneis, quasi late striatis : pileo saturatiorej magis rufesceute : 
supercilio distincto sordide albicantej postice ciuereo : facie laterali brunnea vis cinerascentc : geuis et 
gutture toto dare et pallide einereis : scapularibus Isetb stramineisj medialiter bruuuescentibus et irregu- 
lariter saturate brunneo transfasciatis : alis et cauda rufis^ straminco marginatisj nigro irregulariter trans- 
fasciatisj secundariis magis stramineo lavatis, dorso concoloribus : pcctore superiore aurantiaco-fulvo, 
laterali stramineo, plumis medialiter brunnescentibus ; pectore medio ciuereo lavato : abdomiue ciuerasceuti- 
olivaceo : bypochondriis et subcaudalibus stramineis, brunneo vel nigro transfasciatis : subalaribus oliva- 
scentibus, imis rufescentibus nigro transfasciatis : rostro brunneo, versus basin rufesceute : pedibus pallide 
coccineis : iride laete rufescenti-bruniiea. 

Adult male. Upper parts generally yellowish buff, varied on the back with a broad dash of black down the 
centre of each feather, and on the scapulars and wing-coverts with irregular transverse markings of reddish 
brown and black ; crown of the head and nape rufous brown varied with black ; the primaries with their 
superior coverts and the secondaries bright rufous, beautifully marked with regular transverse bars of black ; 
the tail-feathers dark rufous barred and margined with black, and edged near the base with fulvous ; upper 
part of chin, and a line from the base of the upper mandible passing over the eyes, dull greyish white ; lores 
and region of the ears dull rufous brown ; throat and sides of the head cinereous grey ; sides of the neck, 
the whole of the fore neck, and upper part of breast bright fulvous, obscurely marked and shaded with 
brown; lower part of breast, and the whole of the abdomen, cinereous brown, varied more or less with grey, 
especially on the former ; the soft plumage covering the tibiae pale umber ; sides of the body, flanks, and 
under tail-coverts yellowish brown, conspicuously barred all over w'ith brownish black. Irides bright reddish 
brown ; bill pale reddish brown at the base, brown at the tip ; tarsi and toes pale lake-J’ed, claws brown. 
Total length 24 inches; extent of wings 24 ; wing, from flexure, 8 ; tail 7 ; bill, along the ridge 1-75, along 
theedge of lower mandible 2; tarsus 2‘75; middle toe and claw 3'2o ; hind toe and claw 1‘25. 

Female. Smaller than the male, with darker plumage and duller-coloured legs. Total length 21 inches ; extent 
of wings 21 ; wing, from flexure, 7 ; tail 5'5 ; bill, along the ridge 1’75, along the edge of lower mandible 2 ; 
tarsus 2'2o ; middle toe and claw 2’ 75 ; hind toe and claw 1. 

Young. In immature birds the tints of the plumage generally are lighter, the transverse markings are less 
distinct, and the colours of the bill and legs are paler ; the irides are dark brown ; there is less rufous on 
the head, and often considerably more of the cinereous grey colour on the breast and abdomen. 

Chick. Covered with thick but soft tawny-brown down, which changes to smoky brown as the chick gets older 
darker on the sides of the face. 



SOUTH-ISLAND WOOD HEN. 

OCYDROMUS AUSTRALIS 

; ONE-HALF 


BUFF WOODMEN 

OCYDROMUS B RACHYPTERUS . 

NATURAL SIZE, ,i 




117 


Varieties. Examples from different localities exhibit so much variety in size and plumage as to suggest the 
existence of another, closely allied species. Mr, Potts says that when he was “ camping in one of the 
gorges of the Rangitata, a very striking variety used to visit the tent constantly : the individuals of either 
sex were above the average size ; the general colour of the phrmage light greyish brown, the feathers marked 
or barred with shades of dark brown; the rump, and in some instances the tips of the primaries, rich chest- 
nut ; throat and cheeks grey.” 

Albinoes, more or less pure, are occasionally met with. The ' Canterbury Press ^ recorded the capture 
of one, on the Pour-Peaks run, by one of Mr. Walker's shepherds. This beautiful bird had the entire 
plumage ashy white, with obsolete spots and markings of pale grey, the bill and legs pale red, and the irides 
reddish brown. It was forwarded to England by the Canterbury Acclimatization Society as a gift to the 
Zoological Society, but did not long survive its arrival in the Gardens. 

In the Otago Museum I examined a beautiful series of albinoes : — No. 1, obtained near Lake Wakatipu, 
has the whole of the plumage creamy white, being very soft and silky to the touch ; on close examination, 
and on moving the covering plumage aside, there is the faintest indication of colour, with obsolete markings 
on the webs but very indistinct ; the shafts of the quills pure white. Bill whitish horn-colour. Peet appear 
to have been originally red, with paler toes; ii'ides stated as red. No. 2 is a less pure albino, also from 
Lake Wakatipu, presented to the Museum by Miss White. General plumage silver-grey, shading into 
greyish brown on the head and throat, and again on the breast and abdomen ; all the markings that are 
brown and black in the ordinary bird are represented in this by darker shades of grey, having a washed-out 
appearance, but not faded, the Avhole of the plumage being delicately harmonized. On the quills there is 
a faint wash of chestnut, and, in a lesser degree, on the under surface of the tail-feathers. Bill and feet as in 
ordinary examples. No. 3 (from South laud) shows a progressive step, the whole of the plumage being of a 
rich tawny colour, brightest on the forehead and breast, and shading into grey on the abdomen; the quills 
are handsomely barred wdtli chestnut-brown; the plumage of the flanks and under tail-coverts similarly 
marked, but obscurely ; the lores are whitish, and around the eyes there is a shade of grey which imparts 
to the face a very expressive look. Bill light horn-colour; feet as in the ordinary bird. No. 4 is similar 
to the last, but of a somewhat darker shade, with the obsolete markings on the plumage more pronounced, 
although the bars on the quills are not quite so distinct, whilst on the tail-feathers these markings are hardly 
perceptible. The dark shade around the eyes is absent, and the face has consequently a less coquettish look 
about it. Bill uniform yellow horn-colour ; feet as in the last. 

I have seen an example in pied plumage, similar to the partial albino of Ocydromus greyi mentioned at 
page 106, that is to say, with straggling pure white feathers all over the body. 

A specimen obtained by M. Eilhol, and now in the Natural History collection at the Jardin des Plantes, 
has the entire plumage pale cinnamon-brown, shaded with dull rufous. 

Much of what I have said in treating of the North-Island Woodhen is equally applicable to the 
present species, which is spread all over the South Island, being exti’emely plentiful in certain 
localities. It has never been met with in the North Island as an indigenous bird, although of late 
years it has been successfully acclimatized by Sir George Grey at Kawau, where, on account of its 
predatory habits, it has already become a nuisance. 

The tendency of this bird to vary, in a very remarkable degree, has occasioned much difficulty in 
discriminating the form. The North-Island species, on the contrary, is very distinct in character 
from the other species, exhibiting only a slight degree of individual variation. 

It has the same general habits as the North-Island Weka, and its cry is exactly similar. It differs, 
however, conspicuously in its nature, being as bold and fearless as the former species is timid and 
retiring. It frequents the settler’s homestead, enters the farmyard, and occasionally ventures inside 
the shepherd’s hut, in its prosecution of certain thievish propensities. Many amusing stories are told 
of its carrying off, out of pure inquisitiveness, such things as forks and spoons, tin pannikins, clasji- 
knives, and meerschaum pipes, &c. At Alford Forest it is said to have levanted with a silver watch 
(afterwards accidentally recoi'ered) from a bushman’s hut ; and on another occasion one of these 


118 


birds stole, among other movable property from a surveyor’s tent, a valuable little aneroid, which 
was hopelessly lost. Smoking-caps, slippers, and other bright-coloured objects of the kind, if within 
reach, are equally insecure when this mischievous marauder is about. 

It is more diurnal in its habits than 0. greyi, and may often be seen in the broad sunshine 
feeding about among the tussock-grass and stunted vegetation in the localities it inhabits. It is very 
pugnacious in character, rival males fighting freely when they meet, each bird spreading forward first 
one wing and then another, to present a better front to the adversary, and to receive the aimless 
thrust of his beak in a shield of pliant feathers. It has the same shrill whistling cry as the former 
species, uttered by a pair in concert or responsively ; and on a near approach a loud drumming note 
may be distinguished as a prelude to the cry. Its food consists of lizards, mice, insects of every 
sort, certain berries when in season, eggs of all kinds, and the otfal round about the stations. AVhen 
it visits the farmyard it proves very destructive to the chickens, and has even been known to attack 
and kill a Spanish pullet, six weeks old. 

Mr. W. W. Smith writes to me: — “ In your first edition you mention the circumstance of very 
large birds having sometimes been met with in the hills. I was lately among the ranges in the 
Ngapara district and discovered a huge pair. As they were quite isolated in a bleak spot, I was 
puzzled for a time to know what they fed on. After searching for some time I found some large 
worm-castings of the Lumbricus uliginosus, Hutton. This species measures 12 and 14 inches in 
length, and is of sluggish habits. As both worms and Wekas are of nocturnal habits, the latter will 
have no trouble in seizing the worms and dragging them from their burrows. They are superior food 
to any other the Woodhen could obtain. These worms, 1 may observe, are limited in their distribu- 
tion; but where they do exist they are found in considerable numbers. I have no doubt that the 
excessive size and fatness of the birds I have mentioned may be accounted for by the abundance of 
this particular food.” 

The breeding-habits of this species are in no respect different from those of the North-Island 
Woodhen ; but the eggs, which are from five to seven in number, are more richly coloured. There 
is a fine series of these in the Canterbury Museum, all of which were collected between the 20th of 
October and 25th of November. Ordinary examples measure 2-4 inches in length by 1-6 in breadth, 
and are white, sometimes with a yellowish tinge, marked over the entire surface, but particularly at 
tbe larger end, with irregular spots and blotches of jiale reddish brown, among which are spots of 
purplish grey having the appearance of markings under the surface. In some specimens the reddish- 
brown spots are very rounded and distinct ; in others they are splashed or smudgy ; and one specimen 
has a broad irregular blotch of purplish brown near the thicker end. 

A nest of this bird (in the Canterbury Museum) from Ohinitahi is a massive bed of dry grass, 
measuring 20 inches by 14, with a uniform thickness of about 41 inches. In the centre there is a 
slight depression, which contains five eggs. These are yellowish-white, irregularly spotted and marked 
with yellowish-brown and pale washed-out markings of purple. In form they are slightly ovoido- 
conical, measuring 2'25 inches by T6, and presenting very little variety in colour, the spotted 
markings being generally thickest at the larger end. Mr. Enys states that the ground-colour varies 
in specimens from different localities, from a pure white to a rich cream-colour. I have observed 
that they are often much soiled, probably from contact with the bird’s feet during incubation. 

My son s collection contains upwards of twenty specimens exhibiting a considerable amount of 
individual variation, some of them being very richly marked with reddish brown, particularly at the 
larger end, others having widely scattered round spots over the entire surface (like the e^^r of ^Rallus 
phili])])ensis), while others, again, have the larger pole washed with reddish brown, irregularly blotched 
and spotted with purplish brown, diminishing in the middle circumference, and disappearing entirely 
towards the smaller end, where the shell is creamy white. ^ 


Ordee GEALL^.] 


[Fam. EALLIDiE. 


OCYDEOMUS BRACHYPTEEES. 

(BUPP WOODMEN.) 


Ocydromus hrachypterus, Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1842, pi. 42. 

Ocydromus Jiectori, Hutton, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. vi. p. 110 (1874). 
Ocydromus hracliypterus, Buller, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. x. p. 214(1878). 


Ad. similis 0. australi, sed pallidior : supracaudalibus et scapularibus nigricanti-brunneo conspicue transfasciatis ; 
pectore superiore laBte stramineo : pectore medio cinereo tincto : bypochondriis et subcaudalibus distincte 
transfasciatis. 

Adult. Of similar size to O. australis, but having the plumage of a more uniform buff or pale olivaceous brown 
colour, with the wrings, sides of the body, and flanks more conspicuously barred with brownish black. 

Young. There is a specimen in the Otago Museum, just fledged, in which the distinctive characters described 
above are sufficiently marked. On comparing it with a fledgling of Ocydromus australis this became the 
more apparent, the former having obscure barred markings on the flanks, which were entirely absent in the 
other. 

Varieties. A specimen which I refer to this species, on account of the pronounced character of the barred 
markings on the wings,, is a singular example of partial albinism ; the entire plumage is pure white, slightly 
shaded with cream on the nape, excepting only the wing-feathers which are of the normal colours, and 
completely covered with transverse markings, the bars being very regular and distinct ; the tail-feathers are 
like the body-plumage, pure white ; bill whitish horn-colour, tinged with yellow at the base ; legs and feet 
pale brown. 

My late brother, Mr. John Buller, assured me that he invariably found the Alpine bird considerably larger 
in size than those inhabiting the plains, and of a much lighter colour. 

A specimen brought by Mr. Henry Travers from the interior of the Marlborough Province has the 
general plumage of a yellowish-buff colour, very obscurely marked and spotted with brown ; and among 
those obtained by Sir George Grey in the Otago hills, for the purpose of stocking the Kawau Island, I observed 
that one (apparently a young bird) had similar plumage, although it was more distinctly banded on the 
sides and flanks. Sir G. Grey informed me that these birds were taken by himself at an elevation of 6000 
feet, w'hcre they were found concealed under the tussocks or hiding among the loose rocks, the assistance of 
a dog being required to dislodge them. A specimen in my collection has the whole of the upper surfaee 
light fulvous shaded with brown, each feather having a subterminal spot of that colour ; the primaries and 
secondaries are dark rufous brown barred with black, and the soft overlapping feathers are fulvous, stained 
more or less with rufous and barred with black in their middle portion, margined and spotted towards the 
end with cream-yellow ; the throat, fore neek, and breast pale cinereous brown, mixed with fulvous on the 
crop ; the lower parts dull einereous brown, faseiated on the sides and flanks with narrow markings of 
fulvous. 

■ Professor Hutton regards this bird as distinct {Ocydromus troglodytes, Wagler), and says of it i — “ The 
distinguishing marks of this speeies are its large size, the general olivaceous tints of its plumage, the middle 
tail-feathers having generally a black streak down the shaft, and the primary feathers of the wing tapering 
towards tlie poiut.^' 

Obs. All the Woodhens in the Canterbury Museum (exeepting 0. earli and O.fuscus) appear to me to belong 
to O. australis. There is one marked (in Prof. Hutton’s handwriting) O. troglodytes, but it does not differ 
from the rest in any essential respect, although it is an unusually large example, and pale in all its eolours. 


120 


It is with some hesitation that I accord specific rank to this bird, for although my collection contains 
some beautifully marked specimens, they intergrade to such an extent that it is extremely difficult to 
draw any distinct line between this species and 0. australis. 

I have thought it best, however, to give a figure and description of my most characteristic 
specimen, and to leave ornithologists to choose for themselves whether they will recognize this form 
as distinct, or as being only an extreme variety of the highly variable South-Island Woodhen. 

My own revision of the group was thus stated in a paper which I read before the Wellington 
Philosophical Society in January 1878 * : — 

“ Although as a group the limits of the genus Oeydromus are sufficiently well defined, considerable difficulty has been 
experienced in determining the species. Every naturalist who has studied the subject appears to have arrived at some different 
conclusion as to the number of constant forms ; and where the variances as to size and plumage are so well maintained it is 
difficult to avoid drawing specific distinctions. If, however, it can be shown that all these extreme forms graduate in a series, or, 
in other words, run into one another, it becomes impossible to find any fixed aberrant characters. Without professing to be able 
yet to place the matter beyond aU dispute, I venture to tliink that the series of specimens which I have the honour to exhibit 
this evening affords pretty strong evidence that several of the so-called species in the South Island must be united under the 
name of Oeydromus australis. 

“In my ‘Birds of New Zealand ’ (1st ed.), I admitted only three well-ascertained species as inhabiting New Zealand— 
namely, 0, sarli, 0. australis^ and 0. fuscus. I mentioned in the introduction to that work that, although Er. Einsch recognized 
a fourth (0. troglodytes, Gmel.), I was unable to draw any specific line. Nevertheless, I pointed out very fully, in my account 
of the South-Island Woodhen, the great variation both as to size and markings which that species exhibits, especially among 
birds from different localities. 

“ Captain Hutton, in an article on the New-Zealand Woodhens, read before this Society t in September, 1873, agreed with 
Dr. Einsch in admitting 0. troglodytes, and added two more species of his own under the names of 0. heetori and O.jinscM. He 
further described a ‘ variety or immature ’ example of this last-named species, which he suggests may ‘ possibly be identical with 
GalliraUus hracliypterus, Lafr.’ 

“ Dr. Einsch, in a paper written the year following, professes to identify Oeydromus troglodytes with the 0. australis of 
my text, page 170, but not the plate ; of 0. heetori he remarks, ‘ I consider this a good species after having compared a typical 
specimen; ’ and of O.Jimchi he says that, having examined the type, he considers it a good species, although not without some 
suspicion that it may prove to be a variety of 0. fuscus. He confuses Oeydromus australis, Sparrm., with the well-known 
0. earli ; and with respect to the latter in Hutton’s list, ho makes the following singular statement : — ‘ Dr. Duller, in his great 
work, unfortunately does not mention the typical specimen of 0. earli, Gray, and not having compared it myself, I am unable to 
make out whether the true earli is, indeed, the bright cinnamon-red bird as Captain Hutton and I believe, or whether it is the 
same as 0. australis, figured under the name of earli by Dr. Duller’ §. Captain Hutton, on the other hand, writes me ; — ‘ I am 
sure that you are right about the identification of 0. earli, and I don’t understand how Einsch thinks otherwise ’ [| . 

“Baron A. von Hiigel, who has lately been on a scientific tour through the colonies, writes thus in ‘The Ibis ’If : — ‘Of 
New-Zealand things I have got a very fair collection — some 300 specimens already. Oeydromus I have, of course, gone in for, 
and have a lot of notes about it. I don’t believe in more than three good species — 0. australis (with endless varieties), 0. fuscus, 
and 0. earli. The last two are difficult to procure, although I shall doubtless get a series of the latter in the North Island : 
but of 0. australis one could get a shipload in a very short time. I have got a splendid series, showing every age from embryo 
to adult, and varieties to perfection.’ It will be soon, therefore, that the Baron, who comes to the subject with a totally unpre- 
judiced mind, adopts my published division of the species in a very positive manner. 

“ If, on further investigation, it should be found necessary to add a fourth species, this must be Oeydromus hrachypterus, 
Lafresnaye ; for Dr. Einsch, who appears to have examined the type specimen, affirms distinctly ** that it is the same as Hutton’s 
0. heetori-, and Captain Hutton himself admits that this is ‘ very probable’ tt. This is of course the bird referred to at page 171 
of my ‘ Birds of New Zealand ’ (1st ed.), in the following passage; — ‘ Dr. Hector informs me that on all the high mountains 
of the Otago province he mot with a “ cream-coloured variety,” very readily distinguishable from the common bird. 
Mr. Buchanan confirms this observation, and states that on the Black Peak, at an elevation of 6000 feet, he found this light 
variety very abundant, but none of the other birds ; the former, indeed, were so numerous as to prevent his getting any sleep.’ 
It seems unfortunate that, in obedience to the law of priority in nomenclature, we must sink a name, very fittingly bestowed, 
in favour of hracliypterus, which expresses no distinguishing specific character, being equally appropriate to all the forms of 
Oeydromus.’’ 


* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. x. pp. 213-216. 
§ Ihid. vii. p. 231- 
»* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. viii. p. 202. 


t Op. cit. vi. p. 110. 

II Id. ihid. ix. p. 330. 
tt Log. cit. ix. p. 330. 


+ Ihid. vii. pp. 226-236. 

K ‘ The Ibis,’ 1875, p. 393. 


Oeder GEALL^.] 


[Fam. EALLIDJ5. 


CABALUS DIEFFENBAGHIL 

(DIEPFENBACH’S RAIL.) 


liallus dieffenhacMi, Gray in DiefF. Trav. ii., App. p. 197 (1843). 

Ocydromus dieffenhachii. Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, p. 14, pi. 15 (1844). 
llyjjotcenidia dieffenhachi, Bonap. C. R. xliii, p. 599 (1856). 

Hypotxnidia dieffenhachii, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 238. 

Rallus dieffenhachii, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 179 (1873). 

Native name. — Moeriki. 

Ad. supra brunnescenti-olivaceus, ochraceo et nigricante irregulariter transversim fasciatus : dorso postico et uro- 
pygio olivascenti-brunneis, supracaudalibus aureo-fulvo transfasciatis : pileo summo brunneo unicolore : 
striga long^ superciliari, genis et guttm’e toto cinereis : striga alteiA a basi maxillae per oculum ducta 
brunnesceuti-castaue^ : tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus : remigibus castaneis, nigro transnotatis, 
A^ersus apicem brunnesceiitibus, secundariis intimis dorso concoloribus, fulvo notatis : rectricibus olivascenti- 
brunneis, unicoloribus : collo lateral! inferiore et pectore supei’iore nigris albido transfasciatis : pectore 
fulvescenti-ocbraceo, nigro transfasciato : corpore reliquo subtus nigro, albo transversim lineato : sub- 
caudalibus latius fulvo transfasciatis : rostro brunneo, versus basin saturatiore : pedibus pallide brunneis : 
iride rufescenti-brunnea. 

Adult. Crown and nape dark rusty brown; sides of the head and the whole of the throat pale ash-grey, the 
former traversed by a broad band of rnsty brown, which, commencing at the base of the upper mandible, 
passes across and under the eyes and thence downwards, changing on the ear-coverts to chestnut, and meeting 
in a broad band of that colour on the lower part of the hind neck; towards the base of the lower mandible, 
and a streak over the eyes, greyish white ; on the fore neck a zone of black with rayed lines of white, 
bordering the ash-grey, and widening out on the sides into a rounded patch ; neck beyond and the whole of 
the breast bright rufous browm, with narrow transverse bands of black ; shoulders and all the upper part of 
the back fulvous brown varied with black, beautifully barred and spotted with pale rnfous brown ; lower 
part of back and rump dark fulvous browm, plumbeous beneath ; underparts black, handsomely fasciated 
with white on the upper part of the abdomen, sides of the body and flanks, less distinctly so and tipped with 
fulvous on the lower part of abdomen and soft ventral feathers ; under tail-coverts black, broadly barred 
with rufous brown ; primaries bright chestnut, with numerous transverse bars of brownish black and tipped 
with olive-brown; secondaries much browner, with the chestnut considerably diminished and assuming the 
form of broad toothed markings on both vanes ; w’ing-coverts similar to the plumage of the back, but largely 
tinged with ehestnut ; tail-feathers dark rusty brown, with rufous margins in their basal portion. Examined 
individually, the feathers of the back arc blackish brown, crossed by two broad undulating bauds of fulvous ; 
those of the breast have the bands broader and more regular ; those covering the abdomen and sides of the 
body arc black, with two equidistant bars and a narrow terminal margin of white. Irides reddish brown ; 
bill light brown, darker towards the tip ; tarsi and toes light brown. Total length 12‘25 inches ; wing, from 
flexure, 4-75 ; tail 3’25 ; bill, along the ridge 1'45, along the edge of low'er mandible 1’5 ; tarsus 1-5 ; middle 
toe and claw 1‘75 ; hind toe and claw '6. 

This beautiful Rail Avas brought from the Chatham Islands by Dr. Dieffenbach in 1842, and named 
by Mr. Gray in compliment to this enterprising naturalist. The adult specimen in the British 
Museum, from which my description was taken, is unique, and seems likely to remain so. 

VOL. II. 


K 


122 


In answer to my inquiries, a Chatham-Island correspondent, Kirihipu Eoiri Te Eangipuahoaho, 
wrote as follows in August 1863 : — “ Na, ko to kupu mo te manu. I ngaro tera manu, to Moeriki, i 
te toru o nga tau i noho ai nga Maori ki tenei moutere. Mehemea kei te ora taua manu, maku e 
hopu atu mau. He manu pai taua manu. I kite au imua i taku tamarikitanga. Ta nga Maori 
ingoa o taua manu he Popotai.” [Translatio^J. — Now with regard to the bird. This bird, the 
Moeriki, disappeared in the third year after the occupation of this island by the Maoris. If the bird 
still survives I will catch you some. It was a beautiful bird. I remember seeing it when I was a 
boy. The Maoris called it a Popotai.] But my friend Eoiri, although he had the stimulus of a 
handsome reward, never succeeded in finding the Moeriki ; and we may therefore conclude that it is 
extremely rare, if not quite extinct, on the main island. 

In this very interesting form the plumage bears a strong family likeness, in the style and distri- 
bution of the markings, to that of the well-known Eallus pMlijipensis ; but, as will be seen from the 
figures given below, its bill is more Ocydromine in its character. 

It has been conclusively shown that the skeleton of the Eail described by Hutton under the name 
of Cahalus modesfus (regarded in my former edition as the young of Eallus dieffenbachii) differs widely 
from that of Eallus, especially in the character of the sternum ; and as we find here the same modi- 
fication in the bill, I think the proper course will be to place Dieffenbach’s Eail in Hutton’s new 
genus, as indeed Mr, Sharpe has already done in his Sup[)lement to the Birds of the ‘ Voy. Ereb. and 
Terr.’ (p. 29). It ought, however, to be remembered that Mr. G. E. Gray had long before proposed 
to refer this form to the genus Ocydromus. 

Of the last-named group I liave treated fully in my accounts of the five species inhabiting New 
Zealand. 

Another allied species, Ocydromus sylvestris (Sclater), is confined to Lord Howe’s Island, a small 
insular district whose zoological relation to New Zealand has already been discussed in my 
Introduction. 

It is very curious that at the Chatham Islands, lying, as it were, between these points, a gene- 
rically different Ocydromine form should present itself. The New-Caledonia Eail [Eulaheornis 
lafresnayanus), although aberrant, comes even nearer to our Ocydromus *. d’he bill is more attenuated, 
and the tail (in all the specimens I have examined) is very inconspicuous, but the general characters 
are very similar, and the legs and feet are the same, although somewhat more slender. 

* In general appearance it is not unlike Ocydromus fuscus in plumage, Imt it baa a much larger bill, which is slightly 
curved as in 0. sylvestris from Lord Howe’s Island. Layard writes (Ibis, 1882, p. 535) “ This queer Hail is, though generally 

distrihnted, a rare bird in ^ ew Caledonia, It appears to inhabit much the same localities as the Ivagou, and is, in fact, a 
oodhen, like the tV eka, and not a swamp-bird, e have kept it in confinement, feeding it on Bulimi, raw meat, and garbage. 

It is nocturnal, and runs with great rapidity. In walking it elevates the tail with the peculiar flip common to the Rails, and it 
can climb and jump like a cat. If alarmed it wiU squeeze itself into the smallest holes and crevices and lie ‘perdue’ and 
motionless, feigning death for a long time.” 



Okder GEALL^.] 


[Fam. EALLID^.. 


CABALUS MODESTUS. 

(HUTTON’S EAIL.) 


Ballus modestus, Hutton, Ibis, 1872, p. 247. 

Rallus dieffenbachii (young), Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 180 (1873). 

Cahalus modestus, Hutton, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. vi. p. 108 (1874) *. 

Cabalus dieffenhacMi (young), Sharpe, App. Voy. Ereb. and Terror, p. 29 (1875). 

Ad. olivascenti-brunneus, unicolor, plumis quibusdam interscapulii et tectricibus alarum majoribus paucis indistincte 
fulvo fasciatim terminatis : supracaudalibus fulvo magis distincte transfasciatis : facie laterali vix cinerasceute : 
gutture sordide cinereo, brunnescente obscurato ; corpore reliquo subtbs brunneo, dorso concolore, sed anguste 
et magis distincte fulvo transfaseiato : rostro et pedibus pallide brunneis : iride pallide brunne^. 

Adult. General plumage dull olive-brown, plumbeous at the base; throat greyish, each feather tipped with 
brown ; feathers of the breast narrowly fringed with pale fulvous ; those coveriug the upper part of abdomen 
and sides of the body, as well as the under tail-coverts, erossed by two narrow bars of the same colour ; the 
first three primaries very faintly barred with reddish fulvous; tail-feathers, rump, and thighs obscurely 
freckled with fulvous. Irides, bill, and legs light browm. The plumage is very soft in texture, and the 
markings have the indeterminate charaeter peculiar to young Rails. 

Young. Covered with thick down of uniform brownish black. 


This small Ocydromine form (which I treated in my former edition as the young of Cabalus dieffen- 
baohii) was obtained by Mr. Henry Travers in the small island of Mangare (one of the Chatham 
Isles) in 1872 ; and Mr. Walter Hood informs me that it may still be obtained there, although 
difficult to procure, owing to its semi-nocturnal habits. 

Prof. Hntton writes : — “ Both the birds obtained by Mr. H. Travers were full-grown, one accom- 
panied by her young one, and the other containing well-developed ova; they were both exactly alike 
in colour and dimensions, in neither of which do they show any approach to the colour and dimensions 
of It*, diejfenbacldi, as may be seen by comparing descriptions of the two ; while in all known Bails 
the young soon acquire a plumage approaching in colour to that of the adult, and always attain their 
adult plumage before breeding. In its body, tail, wings, legs, and feet, C. modestus is a smaller bird 
than R. dieffenbacMi, while the bills of the two are of nearly the same length ; but in all Bails the 
legs and feet attain the full size very early, and long before the bill acquires its full length.” 

* I have been favoured with the following interesting note : — “ I have found the MS. of a paper all but completed, but 
never published, ‘ On a compartson of the skeletons of Cabalus ( = lialhts) modestus and Rallus philippensis ’ ; and I take the present 
opportunity, through Sir Walter Bullor’s kindness, of adding this footnote in support of the very distinctive characters of the bird 
in question — Cabalus modestus, Hutton. In the MS. above referred to I iucidentaEy alluded to ornithologists’ recognized genera, 
which sometimes, when critically examined by the light of their osteology, do not furnish convincing data of stable bony characters 
in support of their attributed generic rank. In the instance of the Eail here mentioned, I then wrote : — ‘ In anticipation of 
what follows as a matter of fact, I shall adduce proofs of differentiation such as not only indicate specific sejiaration, but warrant 
generic relegation.’ I then give proofs of the bird being an adult, or nearly so, and of its being relatively flightless. Then followed 
comparisons of the bones &c., whereof I may mention, as an epitome of results and as the drawings elucidate, that trenchant 
distinctions obtain in the sternum and furcula, in the pelvis, and in the cranium and mandible, &c. The octavo plate of illustra- 
tions thereof has been lying finished since 1874; and at the recommendation of Sir W. Buller I intend forwarding the same with 
a revision of the MS. to date to the New Zealand Institute, in whose publications first notice of the bird appeared. James Mtjeie. 

B 2 


Ordek HEKODIONES.] 


[Fam. AEDEIDJ^]. 


AEDEA EGKETTA. 

(WHITE HERON.) 


Ardea egretta, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 629 (1788, ex Lath.). 

Ardea flavirostris, Wagl. Syst. Av. p. 177 (1827). 

Herodias fiamroatris. Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 12 (1843). 
Ilerodias syrmatopliorus, Gould, B. of Austr. vi. pi. 56 (1848). 

Ardea alha, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7469. 

Ardea flavirostris. Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 236. 

Ilerodias alha^ Gould, Handb. B. of Austr. ii. p. 301 (1865). 

Ardea intermedia, Finsch, J. f. O. 1867, p. 332. 

Ardea syrmatojgliora, Buller, Bird.s of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 226 (1873). 
Ardea egretta, Finscb, J. f. O. 1874, p. 194. 

Native name. — Kotuku ; “ White Crane ” of the colonists. 


Ad. ubiqne alba : scapnlaribus plumis elongatis filamentosis ornatis : rostro Isetb flavo : pedibus nigris : iride flava. 

Adult male. The whole of the plumage snowy wdiite. Irides yellow ; loral skin greenish yellow ; bill bright 
yellow, with a polished surface, sometimes inclining to brown towards the point of the upper mandible ; 
legs black, tinged on the tibia and tai’sal joints with yellow. Length 40 inches ; extent of w'iiigs ol'o ; 
wing, from flexure, 17 ; tail 7 ; bill, along the ridge 5, along the edge of lower mandible 6‘5 j bare tibia 4 ; 
tarsus 6‘25 ; middle toe and claw 4'75 ; hind toe and claw 2'6. 

Female. Similar to the male, but smaller in all its dimensions. 

Nestling. Covered with thick yellowish-white down, which is lengthened on the crown, and being stiff and 
erectile gives the young chick a very striking appearance. Bill dull yellow with black tip ; legs black, 
more or less tinged with yellow. In the Colonial Museum there are two chicks (apparently from the same 
nest), one, however, being nearly double the size of the other. The smaller of the two seems a mere 
mite in comparison with the parent bird ; but with the members of this family the development of the young 
is always very rapid. 

Varieties. I have already mentioned that in our bird the bill is yellow all the year round. I have now, how- 
ever, to record an example with a black bill. I was first informed of it by Mr. W. Sparkes of the Canterbury 
Museum, who wrote to me in November 1884, saying: — ■“'In your remarks upon the White Heron (Birds 
N. Z. 1st ed. p. 226) you state that you have never seen one with a black bill. A very fine bird was sent me 
last Sunday, in the flesh, for mounting, of which the bill is quite black, slightly olive-tinted at the points of 
both mandibles. The legs are of a dark purple colour on the lower portion, changing to a light plum above 
the tarsal joint.” I afterwards had an opportunity of examining this specimen, which was an exceptionally 
fine male, in full breeding-plumage, xvith about seventy beautiful dorsal plumes, the longest of winch measured 
18 inches, extending fully seven inches beyond the tail. It differs from all other examples I have seen 
in having a perfectly black bill, becoming yellowish towards the extreme tips of both mandibles. The loral 
skin is greenish, changing to yellow around the eyes ; and the irides are bright yellow. I observed that in 
this specimen the filamentous dorsal plumes, which are usually snowy white, were tinged with yellow at 
the tips. 

There is a peculiar specimen in the Colonial Museum ; the bill is tinged with browm in its apical 



blue heron. 

WHITE 

HERON 

ardea sacra. 

ARDEA 

E GRE TTA . 


(ONE -THIRD NATURAL SIZE) 


125 


portion ; across the shoulders and covering the flexure of the wings is a broad band of slaty brown^ haviiig 
the appearance of a yoke ; there is a large smudge of the same colour on the fore neck, halfway down, also 
a shade on the crown of the head, pectoral plumes, and under tail-coverts ; the legs arc tinged with yellow 
on the tibia and upper part of tarsus. 

Another specimen, which was afterwards submitted to me, and said to have been killed in winter, bad 
the bill of a beautiful orange-yellow, with a narrow mark of black at the extremity of the upper mandible. 
This bird measured 46 inches in extreme length ; bare tibia 4 ; tarsus G’S. The legs and feet were 
perfectly black. 

I examined three specimens in the Canterbury Museum. One of these (killed on the West Coast) w'as 
an unusually large one, with abundant dorsal plumes, and having the apical portion of the mandibles blackish 
brown, shading off downwards, and deepening to black at the tip ; the tibise and tarsi brown, tinged with 
yellow. Bill, along the ridge o inches, along edge of lower mandible 6 ; bare tibia 3'75 ; tarsus 6 ; middle 
toe and claw 4T. The second bird is of smaller size, but with ample plumes, the upper mandible exhibiting 
a line of black along the ridge ; and the third, which is entirely destitute of the dorsal adornment, has the bill 
perfectly yellow, with a tinge of the same colour at the base of the tibia. 

A live example in the possession of Mr. J. W. Hall (who sent me a coloured drawing of the head) 
exhibits a pale blue tint about the orbits of the eyes; the bill is bright yellow at the base, pale lake in its 
entire length, but black towards the tip of the upper mandible. 

06s. This species exhibits considerable variation in size. A specimen obtained by Mr. Travers in the South 
Island has the bill longer and more robust than in ordinary examples, while the legs are remarkably short 
as compared with others, the tarsus measuring only 5 inches in length. 

Both sexes are adorned with the dorsal plumes during the breeding-season ; but in the female they are 
not so fine as in the other sex. 

Remarks. The fully adult bird of both sexes has the back adorned by a number of long filamentous plumes, 
which have their origin near the roots of the scapulars, extending from four to six inches beyond the tail 
and forming a beautiful train ; but this is peculiar to the breeding-season. The plumes are about 15 inches 
in length, extending fully three inches beyond the tail ; and they consist of a rigid tapering shaft, with 
lateral filaments of extreme fineness, placed about half an inch apart, being, for the most part, five inches in 
length, but becoming shorter towards the extremity of the shaft. The whole of this ornamental plumage is, 
like the body, pure white. In some examples (either females or immature birds) these dorsal plumes are 
very much reduced, a few of the feathers forming the mantle having their shafts produced as far as the end 

of the tail and furnished with loose filamentous barbs. 

As already stated, the bill is of a rich yellow colour. With the rare exceptions mentined above, I have 
never seen any with a black bill or in a transitional state, although I have examined scores obtained at all 
seasons of the year; and I do not believe that any regular seasonal change of colour takes place, in which 
respect our bird appears to differ from the other closely allied species. My friend Dr. Finsch first of all 
referred it to Ardea intermedia, then to A. alba, and lastly to A. egretta ; and, although I kept it distinct 
in my former edition, I feel bound now to adopt the last of these names. Mr. Gould, in surrendering Ins 
own appellation of sgrmatophorus, quotes BlytlFs remarks on the subject (Ibis, 1865, p. 36); but I was 
informed by Mr. Blyth himself that in the Indian bird the change in the colour of the bill, from yellow to 
black, and vice versa, always takes place with the change of season. 

The White Heron occurs so sparingly in most parts of New Zealand, that “rare as the Kotuku ’ has 
passed into a proverb among the Maoris ; while in the North Island it is said to occur only once in 
a lifetime (He Kotuku rerenga tahi). 

The first North-Island example I heard of was at Whaingaroa (Raglan) about the year 1853. 
In 1856 I examined a fine specimen which had been shot at Hurley s ■ mill-reservoir near Wellington. 
A year or two later I saw another from the Wairarapa district. In the summer of 1865 a pair 
visited the mangrov^e swamp at Whangarei, and remained there several weeks. Ihe year before a 
pair was seen at Whangape Lake in the Lower Waikato ; in 1867 another pair frequented, for some 
time, the marshy ground at the mouth of the Maketu river, and again in 1867 a pair visited the 


126 


banks of the Waihi in the same district. The natives made every possible effort to obtain these birds 
for the sake of the white plumes. In both of the last-mentioned cases they succeeded in killing one 
of them, the survivor remaining in the locality for several months, leaving only on the approach of 
winter. In former years it was always to be met with singly or in pairs in certain districts in the 
South Island, but with the extension of settlement it has disappeared. In the summer of 1859 (after 
stalking him for two hours), I shot a beautiful adult male at the sea-shore lagoon near Timaru, and 
saw another pair feeding among the sedges of Lake Ellesmere. 

Mr. Cheeseman writes to me from the Auckland Museum : — “ I have in the Museum a small 
specimen of this Heron shot by Mr. Lewis Eye in the Otamatea district, Kaipara. About two years 
ago one was killed in the swamps by the Thames river and exhibited for a few days at the Thames. 
Quite recently (1881) Mr. James Stewart, C.E., has informed me that one had been shot by his survey 
party employed on the Eotorua railway.” 

Subsisting almost entirely on eels and small freshwater fish, it frequents the sedgy shores of 
lagoons and the banks of tidal streams ; but it sometimes resorts also to the open sea-beach, where I 
have myself shot it. 

It is very interesting to watch this stately bird stalking about in its haunts, or fishing in the 
shallow water, its snow-white plumage rendering it a very conspicuous object. I have always found 
it very shy and difficult to approach, the slightest sound exciting its suspicion and making it take 
wing. It flies high and in wide circles, the wings performing slow and regular flappings, the head 
being drawn in upon the shoulders, and the legs trailing behind. 

None of our birds enjoy a wider geographic range. Major Legge, in his ‘ Birds of Ceylon,’ * has 
traced its course with a very skilful hand, and I cannot do better than reproduce his account in a 
condensed form : — It is to be found in all large marshes and tanks throughout the northern half of 
Ceylon, and in the southern districts also wherever there are extensive tracts of wild paddy-land. In 
India it is a very common bird, being of course most abundant in the better-watered districts, but 
may be found everywhere, feeding by rivers and tanks. It is said to be very plentiful in the region 
between the Ganges and the Godaveri. About Calcutta it is only occasionally met with. Passing 
eastward, it is found generally distributed throughout the plains portion of Tenasserim. It is likewise 
found in the Andamans. Keturning to India, it is recorded by Dr. Scully as occurring in the valley 
of Nepal in the winter ; and evidently is found all along the base of the Himalayas, as also in the 
plains westward to the Punjab. In Sindh it is common and is distributed, less numerously, throughout 
the entire surrounding region. In Kashgharia it is plentiful in winter, migrating northward in the 
spring to breed. According to Severtzoff it breeds throughout Turkestan and winters in the western 
portions of that country. It is spread throughout the Chinese empire, breeding in large numbers 
near Pekin ; and Swinhoe met with it in Formosa. In the Malay archipelago, through which it 
extends to Australia, it is found in Borneo, Celebes, Ternate, Timor, and the Aru Islands. It has 
been recorded from every settlement in the north of Australia, and from most parts of the East Coast 
down to Victoria; also from South Australia and Tasmania. In Asia Dr. Eadde observed it in the 
Central Argunj valleys and again in Siberia. Major St. John met with it in Persia, and Mr. Blanford 
in Baluchistan ; while Canon Tristram found it to be a spring and summer visitor to Palestine. In 
Asia Minor it is common, and in Greece slightly less numerous, though abundant in the marshes of 
Macedonia. In south-eastern Europe it is much more numerous than further west ; rare in Spain, 

* 'Writing of this hirtl in Ceylon, Major Legge says : — “ Breeding-plumage. Iris bright pale golden yellow ; hill blackish • 

loral skin and space round eye greenish yellow ; legs and feet black ; tibia paler than tarsus The bill remains black a 

very short time, turning yellow long before the dorsal train is moulted ; the tip, however, is black at this stage.” 

The late Dr, Jerdon, writing of the closely allied A. modesia in India, says : — “The bill becomes black before the train is 
developed, and changes again to yellow before the train is shed ; so that both black-billed and yellow-billed individuals may be 
obtained with or without the dorsal train, and othei’s with the bill changing colour in all .stages of progress.” 


127 


and absent from Portugal, although occurring in the Azores. It is likewise rare in Malta, though 
tolerably common during the w'inter season in Sicily and Sardinia; and scarce again in Northein Italy. 
In Transylvania it is found on migration ; but it breeds in the marshes of Hungary and in the 

countries skirting the Danube. It is met with rarely in Southern Germany and in Poland , but is 

common in parts of Russia, particularly in the southern districts. Passing westward, it is rare in 
France and has only once been killed in the Netherlands. It strays still further north into Scandi- 
navia and has often occurred as a straggler to Great Britain. In parts of the continent of Africa it 
is abundant, particularly in the north-east, being very plentiful in Lower Egypt, where it breeds in 
the Nile delta. In Abyssinia it winters, frequenting the Blue and White Nile, and ranging into the 
highlands to an altitude of 10,000 feet. Canon Tristram met with it in small flocks in various parts 
of Algeria, and found it wintering in the Sahara. Down the east coast it has been observed at 
Mozambique and Natal; Layard met wdth it in South Africa, and Newton at Madagascar. Westw'ard, 
again, it has been recorded from Damara I^and, Benguela, and the Gold Coast. 

I have already mentioned that in this species the bill does not undergo any change in the 

breeding-season, being yellow all the year round. In confirmation of this I may quote a letter which 
I have received from IMr. J. "NF. Hall, of the Thames, who had a captive one for a consideiable 
time. He wHtes : — “ As regards the bill of the Kotuku, I observed no seasonal change. The 
colour was pale yellow, black tow'ards the tip. A remarkable peculiarity was that the mandibles do 
not quite close except at the tip. This peculiarity was verified after death ; indeed when seated on 
the branch of a tree, in exactly the right position, you could see right through the slit or opening, 
which was not wider than sufficient to admit a very thin sixpence. You wfill no doubt have observed 
that the eye is not set in a line, or parallel with the bill, but at an obtuse angle, perhaps about 70°. 

“ My Kotuku at first used to roost on a box in an outhouse ; but, after a fight with a hen wfith 
chickens that was running in the same garden (or wilderness), took to sleeping about 20 feet up a 
karaka tree, to attain Avhich elevation it made use of some passion-flow^er vines that were growing up 
the karaka tree, as one of its wings had been cropped to prevent escape. Its actions while ascending 
this natural ladder were not very graceful. During sleeping hours it W’as completely hidden among 
the boughs, but in the early morning, especially after a frost, it would come out to the extreme edge 
of the boughs and sun itself for hours. When the long filamentous dorsal plumes were fully or 
partially erected it was a really beautiful sight ; for though a female it had a very fine train. During 
its fights wfith the brood hen the Kotuku w^ould throw itself nearly on its back and dart out its long 
bill with such vigour that it seldom came off second best. It rarely came down to breakfast, which 
was put into a large crock of clean water, till the morning was well advanced, and, to my surprise, 
seemed to prefer beef, or sheep’s liver, to fish.” 

The beautiful snow-white plumes from the back of this bird have always been greatly prized by 
the Maoris, for the personal adornment of both the living and the dead, and their ancient poetry 
abounds in references to this valued taonga *. 

* Take, for example, the pathetic 
p. 162 

Tera te haeata, hapai ana mai, 
ile he mea ko te tan, 

Teuoi ka ora mai ; 

E Hia’ rongo niii, 

Ki te taha o te rangi, 

Ka whati ra e, 

Te tara o te marama 
Taku ate hoki ra, 

Taku piki Kotuku. 


lament for Te Hiakai, as given in Sir George Grey’s ‘ Poetry of the New Zealanders,’ 


Tena te kakahi, 

Ka tere ki to tonga, 
I whiuwbiua koe, 

Te hau ki a Tu. 

Mei ona ahua, 

Te hoki ki muri ra, 
Kei whea to patu ? 

E hoka i te rangi, 
Hei patu whakatipi, 
Ki mua ki te upoko. 


Ki te kawe a riri. 
Whakahaerca ra, 

Kia rato nga iwi 
Kia kite Taupo, 

Kia kite Eotorua. 

Kia werohia koe, 

Ki te manu kai miro, 
I runga o Titi, 

Hoki mai e Pa, 

Ki te waka ka tirkoki. 


Waiho ki rouri nci, 

Ka ru te whonua, 

Ka timu nga tai, 

I roto lYaikato. 

Taku koara, 

Te uira i te rangi, 
Whakahoki rua ana, 

Na runga o Hakari, 

Ko te tohu 0 to mate na, i. 


128 


Sir William Fox sent me the following very interesting note, under date of April 17, 1872 : — 

“Do you know of the existence of a ‘ Cranery ’ of the White Crane at Okarita, on the West Coast! 

There is a regular colony of them ; they build and breed in the trees (white pine, 1 believe) above 
the river or creek, a few miles (say half a dozen) from the sea. My informant, who was the discoverer, 

Moeller, Hokitika surveyor, counted 65 on first visit. I did not get up the river so far, but saw a 
dozen sitting in trees lower down the creek. Many years ago I saw numbers of them at Tokomairiro, 

Otago, where now they are, 1 believe, extinct. The Okarita ‘ Cranery ’ is, I suspect, nearly the last ; 

at least no other is known I have been spending two months on the West Coast, Middle 

Island, and exploring Mount Cook and its glaciers, which are equal in beauty to those of Switzerland. 

It is a pity the Alpine Club does not send out some of its members to explore the grand scenery of 
our Southern Alps.” 

Eeferring to the above, Mr. Leonard Reid writes to me : — “ I can endorse Sir William Fox’s 
remarks as to the existence of a ‘ Cranery ’ at Okarita about the time he mentions. I visited the 
locality in February, 1870, on my way to the Francis Joseph Glacier. The note 1 have (speaking of 
the Okarita lagoon) is as follows: — White Cranes were abundant on the flats, but too wary to 
approach within gunshot. The boatman informed us that there was a ‘ Cranery ’ on the cliffs, and 
also a breeding-place for Shags, but we had no time to visit the locality.” 

Another visitor to this heronry states that one of the breeding-stations is situated about three 
miles inland from the sea, on the banks of the Waitangituna stream. He found about twenty-five ! 

nests there, placed on trees overhanging the water, at elevations varying from eight to forty feet, and 
in close association with those of the White-throated Shag, the latter being five or six times as 
numerous, often forming complete clusters around the larger structures occupied by the White ; 

Heron ; these were coarsely built of sticks, placed in such a manner as to form a strong platform, j 

above which was a layer of smaller sticks, but without any softer lining, the whole structure t 

measuring about seventeen inches in diameter. The eggs are usually three, but often four, in i 

number, of a pale green colour, rather elliptical in form, and measuring 2'2 inches in length by 1'6 ; 

in breadth. 

Another breeding-place of the White Heron is supposed to exist at a place about twelve miles ■ 

north of the Buffer River ; but there is no positive evidence of this ; and Sir William Fox is no doubt 
right in considering the Okarita heronries as very nearly, if not actually, the last of their kind. 

The nest of the White Heron is a rather massive structure, with a flattened top (no appearance 
whatever of a cup or hollow), rounded in form, and measuring eighteen inches across. It is com- 
posed almost entirely of fern-fronds by way of foundation, with a thick rough layer of dry twigs 
above. It seems difficult to understand how the bird can incubate the eggs without their falling out 
of this rude flat nest or getting broken against the rough twigs on which they lie, without lining or 
protection of any kind ; for on this structure are deposited the eggs, which are three in number, 
differing very slightly in size, the largest measuring 2-2 inches by 1-6 inch, of a regular ovoid form, 
of a uniform pale green colour, and without any gloss. 


1 


Order HEEODIONES.] 


[Fam. ARDEID^. 


AEDEA SACEA. 

(BLUE HERON.) 


Sacred Heron, Lath, Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 92 (1785). 

Ardea sacra, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 640 (1788, ex Lath.). 

Blue Heron, var. /3, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 79 (1785). 

Ardea coerulea, var. y, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 631 (1788, ex Lath.). 

Ardea matooJc, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. d’Hist. Nat. xiv. p. 416 (1817). 
New-Zealand Heron, Lath. Gen. Hist. B. ix. p. 128 (1824). 

Ardea jucjularis, Wa,gl. Syst. Av. Ardea, sp, 18 (1827, ex Forster MS.). 
Ardea asJia, Sykes, P. Z, S. 1837, p. 157. 

Herodias matooJc, Gray, in Dietf. Trav. ii., App. p. 196 (1843). 

Ardea novae liollandice, “Lath.,” Licht. ed. Forst. Descr. An. p. 172 (1844). 
Herodias jucjularis. Gray, Cat. Grallce Brit. Mus. p. 80 (1844). 

Bemiegretta concolor, Blyth, J. A. S. B. XV. p. 372 (1846). 

Herodias jmnnosus, Gould, P. Z. S. 1847, p. 221. 

Ardea pemnosa. Gray, Gen. of B. iii., App. p. 25 (1849). 

Ardea concolor. Gray, Gen. of B. iii., App. p. 25 (1849). 

Herodias aslia, Blyth, Cat. B. Mus. A. S. B. p. 280 (1849). 

Ardea atra, “ Cuv.,” Puch. Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1851, p. 375. 

Herodias pannosa, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 120 (1857). 

Herodias atra, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 121 (1857) 

Herodias sacra, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 121 (1857). 

Herodias concolor, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 121 (1857).. 

Ardea {Herodias) allolineata. Gray, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 166, 

Ardea cinerea, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7469 (nec Linn.). 


Native names. 

Matuku-tai, Matuku-nuia, and Matukutuku. 


Ad. suprji fuligiiioso-scliistaceus, pileo laterali, collo postico et scapularibus elongatis clariiis cinereis : aH et cauda 
fuliginoso-scliistaceis, tectricibus alarum et remigibus extus clarlus cinereo lavatis ; subtus omninb 
fuliginoso-scbistaceus, gutture purb albo : subalaribus paullo dilutioribus : regione oculari virescenti-flava ; 
rostro sordide flavo, culmine brunnescente ad apicem corneo : pedibus viridescenti-flavis : iride flava. 

Adult male. General plumage slaty grey, darker on the upper parts, tinged on the lower with brown; a broad 
line of white down the middle of the throat, and extending, in some examples, down the fore neck. Ihc 
back is ornamented with a number of narrow lanceolate featliers of a bluish-grey colour, often / inches in 
length, overlying the scapulars; and there arc a few similar feathers on the lower part of the neck, over- 
lapping the breast. The feathers of the nape are long and silky, and of a brighter tint than the suri’ounding 
plumage. Irides yellow; loral skin greenish yellow ; bill dark yellow, shaded with brown on the ridge and 
sides, horn-coloured at the tip ; tarsi and toes greenish yellow, the claws brown. Length 25 inches ; extent 


130 


of wings 40 j wingj frona flexure, 11-5 ; tail 4 ; bill, along the ridge 3-5, along the edge of lower mandible 
4’25 ; bare tibia 1'5 ; tarsus 3 ; middle toe and elaw 2‘75 ; hind toe and claw 1'75. 

Female. Has the pectoral and dorsal plumes smaller and duller in colour, with a brown tinge over the entire 

plumage. j 

t 

Young. In the young of the flrst year the plumage is largely stained with brown, especially on the upper parts ; 

all the wing-coverts are shaded with brown towards the tip, with a narrow terminal edging of a lighter \ 

tint ; and, in certain lights, the entire plumage presents an appearance of vinous brown. There are no 
pectoral plumes ; the gular streak of white, instead of being narrow throughout, expands in the middle • and 
the bill is dark brown, blackish on the ridge. 

Nestling. Covered w'ith slate-coloured down. 

Albino. There is an albino in the Otago Museum ; general plumage pure white, but with slate-coloured feathers 
cropping out irregularly all over the body, and more abundantly on the crown and back ; the primaries pure 
white, with only a few touches of colour near the tips, whilst some of the secondaries are almost wholly slate- 
coloured J tail-feathers parti-coloured, the white, however, being entirely absent on two or three of them ; '■ 

bill and feet as in ordinary specimens. Professor Hutton has marked this as the young state of A. sacra, ' 

from the Society Islands. This, however, is a mistake. I have already described the young of that species 
from the nest. This is undoubtedly another example of albinism with the normal colour persistently 
endeavouring to assert itself. 

Obs. A specimen in my collection (adult $ ) obtained at Kaiwara, near Wellington, has the occipital plumes 
continued fully two inches beyond the head. 

Remarks. The history of this species has been worked out in an exhaustive manner by Drs. Finsch and Flart- 
laub, to whose labours I am in a great measure indebted for the very complete synonymy at the head of this 
article. I am unable, however, to follow these authors in considering Mr. G. R. Gray’s Ardea greyi (Cat. 

Brit. jMus. Grallw, p. 80) the same species in the condition of an albino. Mr. Gould once entertained that 
opinion, but was induced to alter it ; and in his ' Handbook ’ (ii. p. 309) he quotes Macgillivray’s observations 
to the following effect : — “ From the circumstance of my having always found this and the dark-coloured 
species in company, I considered them as the same bird in different states of plumage, their size and pro- 
portions being so similar, and was surprised that individuals exhibiting a change from blue to white, or vice 
versa, never occurred. At length, while on Dugong Island, I was convinced they were specifically distinct 
by seeing that the half-grown young from the nest had assumed the distinctive colour of the parents. This 
was first pointed out to me by Dr. Muirhead, R.N., whose attention I had previously drawn to the subject. 

The habits of both species are similar ; and they procure their food in the same manner at low water on the 

coral-reefs surrounding the low islands they frequent. The nest and eggs are precisely similar ; but the 

young of this bird is white from the nest.” Although this white form is abundantly dispersed over the 

northern and eastern coasts of Australia wherever low islands and reefs of coral running parallel to these 

coasts occur, it has never yet been met with in New Zealand, which is a further reason for our I’efusing to j 

consider it an albino of the common species. | 

iiiE Blue Heron is not confined to New Zealand, but is found along the whole of the Australian ! 

coasts and throughout the Polynesian archipelago ; its range extends also to India and Japan, the i 

differences in examples from those countries being too trifling to warrant a specific separation. j 

In our country the Blue Heron frequents the rocks under the sea-cliffs, and the shores of the 
sheltered bays and estuaries, where it may be observed moving actively about in search of its food 
wdiich consists of small crabs and shell mollusks ; or perched on some prominent point of rock where 
its constant vigilance renders it difficult of approach except under cover. When disturbed it rises 
slowly and rather awkwardly, and makes a detour seaward, returning to a neighbouring station on 
the rocks, or, if alarmed, wings its way slowly across the bay or to some more remote part of the 


131 


coast. When on the wing the long neck is doubled in, forming a protuberance in front, and the 
legs are trailed behind. When hunting for food among the rocks they walk briskly, with the body 
horizontal and the head drawn in, ready for action. 

It is found all round the coasts of the North Island, but appears to be more plentiful on the 
eastern side. 

It does not, as a rule, leave the coast, but a pair was seen on the Taupo Lake in October 1875, 
and I observed one on the wing at Lake Rotoiti in October 1884. It is tolerably common along 
the shores of the Bay of Plenty. My son found these birds particularly plentiful during a visit to 
Raglan in the summer of 1883-84. He writes : — “ On one occasion I saw as many as seven flying in 
company. They kept well together, and about four feet above the water, performing their flight by 
a regular slow flapping of the wings, never swerving to one side or the other, and presenting a very 
curious appearance with their heads drawn in upon their shoulders.” 

They appear to become attached to particular localities ; and I remember a pair of them 
frequenting a rocky point in the Porirua harbour for several years. Another pair took up their 
station on the rocks near the Hutt Road in Wellington harbour. These birds, which were always 
a source of interest to me when travelling on this road, have attracted the notice of others, and are 
thus pleasantly referred to by Mr. Edward Wakefield, in a “ Science Gossip ” article, in the ‘Wellington 
Evening Press ’ ; — 

“ Railway passengers, as a rule, do not take much notice of objects which they pass. They read 
papers or books, or stare at one another, or most commonly gaze into space in a melancholy way, 
evidently thinking of nothing but how soon the journey will be over. Yet it is often worth while to 
look out of window and observe natural features or peculiarities, if only for a moment or two, as the 
train creeps past them. We wonder how many travellers by the Hutt train have seen what I have 
seen, namely, a pair of Herons which frequent the rocks on the harbour beach about niidway between 
Ngahauranga and Petone. These beautiful and uncommon birds have been there for months past 

and they seem to have taken up their abode there permanently It is usually regarded as an 

extremely shy and wary bird, having its wits wide awake against danger on all sides, and rising 
heavily and flapping a circuit out to seaward long before man can approach it. But circumstances 
seem to alter its habits. I have read somewhere an account by a traveller and a naturalist who said 
he had seen Blue Herons on an island off the Australian coast so numerous and so tame and fear- 
less that he could, and did, knock them over with a stick. Many birds, of course, which are not in 
the least shy when first found in lonely places, become so as soon as they know what a cruel destruc- 
tive animal man is. I can remember when Shags and Sandpipers in New Zealand were so unsophis- 
ticated that they would allow themselves to be caught by the hand, and even Redbills would let us 
come so close that we could kill them with stones. Thus there is nothing in the story of the Blue 
Plerons’ tameness on a desert island at all incompatible with their present reputation for wariness. 
The boldness of the pair I have seen near Petone is more remarkable, because not only do trains pass 
close to them many times a day, but the Hutt road is only distant from their haunt a few chains, and 
fishermen, children, and other intruders are always about. It seems to me a most extraordinary 
thing that these shy birds should remain there day after day, week after week, month after month, 
disturbed as they often must be by various visitors to the beach, without apparently betraying the 

least uneasiness But to me the poor, harmless, beautiful comical creatures are very charming 

on their own account, popping about among the rocks, pecking here, stalking there, prying into a 
crevice a little further on, attitudinising gracefully on a rock close by — surely, surely, they ai’e 
interesting enough in themselves, well worth observing, and — oh, ye pothunters — well worth pre- 
serving also ! ” 

Mr. Layard writes from Levuka: — “I have just obtained (2nd November) a pair of young ones 

s 2 


132 


(male and female) from the nest of the species that inhabits this island, and they are dark slate- 
coloured — much blacker and glossier, in fact, than a slate-coloured bird in full plumage, although 
long filaments of white down still remain on the head &c. Europeans and natives assure me that 
they breed in both phases of plumage, and that sometimes a white bird will be mated with a blue 
one. It nests indifferently on rocks, on the ground, or in the mangrove or other trees that line the 

sea-shore Now, if the Indian bird is always white when young, as alleged, and our bird is 

s/afo-coloured, may not that fact indicate that the two are distinct 1 Or are the white and slate- 
coloured birds only dimorphic varieties ? Has any one seen the Asiatic race slate-coloured when in 
the nest, or observed the slate-coloured and white birds breeding together in India 1 ” * 

In ‘The Ibis’ for 1879 (p. 221) there appears a letter from the same naturalist (dated Noumea, 
New Caledonia, 5th December), in which, after referring to Mr. S. B. Dole’s ‘ Synopsis of the Birds 
of the Hawaiian Islands,’ and to the author’s statement respecting A. sacra, “ the young birds are 
wholly white, and the female whiter than the male,” he says : — “ Now this is quite in direct opposi- 
tion to my experience of the bird in Fiji, and accords with my statement of the Ceylonese species (cf. 
‘Ibis,’ 1876, p. 176). This opens this very curious question once more. Are they distinct races or 
species, or are the young in some places white, and in others hlue'l I hope my brethren of ‘ The Ibis’ 
will, as their opportunities permit them, keep this subject in view. We have the species here ; but I 
do not yet know of any breeding-place.” 

Canon Tristram, writing on a collection of birds from the New Hebrides, collected by the Kev. 
J. Inglis (‘Ibis,’ April 1876, p. 265), says: — “Two specimens in good state from Aneiteum are in 
the collection. They are considerably larger than Ardea sacra from Samoa. I observe that they 
sustain the remarks made by Mr. G. K. Gray, who would have separated them under his name of 

* Hnme says (‘ Stray Feathers,’ vol. i. p. 254) : — “ Professor Schlegol and Mr. Gray are certainly wrong in. uniting asha, 
Sykes, with Forster; they are probably right in considering coHColor, Blyth, as identical with this latter; but asha of 
Sykes is gularis, and not jugidaris. The faet is there are two nearly allied species ; the one occurs along the eastern and north- 
eastern coast of Africa up to Suez down the Arabian Coast, and has now been observed by mo at Muscat, along the Mekran 
Coast, and at Kurrachee, and again on the Bombay Coast at Teetul, near Bulsar ; and Dr. Jerdon’s description shows 
clearly that this is the bird which ho and Sykes found down the western coast of India. This is gularis ; on the other hand, 
the second species is found in New Zealand, Australia, throughout the Indian Archipelago, and, I have reason to believe, though 
I have no specimens with me to compare, throughout Burma, up to llamree Island, in the Kicobars and Andamans, and possibly 
on tlie eastern shores of the Bay of Bengal. This latter is jugularis, Forster, pannosa, Gould, concohr, Blyth, and probably 
sacra, Gmelin, the name by which it should, according to Mr. Gray, stand. Both species are typically, when adult, deep slaty 
blue, becoming more or less black in old birds ; both seem to have an allotropic white form, which is not necessarily the young, 
these having been iaken from the nest of the same dark colour as the typical adult, and both have a light slaty grey stage, 
which appears to me to indicate immaturity, in which a good deal of the centre of the abdomen, vent, and lower tail-coverts are 

white A very great deal remains to bo ascertained in regard to the changes of plumage of both these species, and it is 

possible that jugularis or sacra may bo found to include two species, but gularis and jugularis are clearly distinct, and can be 

separated at once Chdaris has the whole chin, throat, and sides of the head nearly to the gape, and quite to the base 

of the ear-coverts, white ; jugularis or sacra has only a narrow white stripe down the centre of the throat.” 

And again {op. cit. vol. ii. p. 304) : — “ This species is no doubt very variable alike in size and in plumage, even supposing 
that the white race, of which I shall speak hereafter, be separated as a distinct bird ; but it is quite clear, with this very large 
series that we now possess of the ashy bird, that aU those inhabiting the islands of the Bay of Bengal and its eastern coast 

belong to one and the same species Colonel Tytler notes A distinct species, which I call provisionally Demiegretta 

Candida, but which may prove identical with D. greyi, and which precisely resembles D. conoolor, Blyth, has erroneously been 
assumed to be the young of this latter. I have had them from the nest, and can certify that the ]jlumage is at all times white, 
just as that of concolor is always ashy . . .” And Macgillivray remarks of the bird in Australia : — “ I was convinced that they 
were specifically distinct by seeing that the half-grown young from the nests had assumed the distinctive colour of the parents.” 

As regards the white variety, Davison says ; — “ This species, if it really is a species, and not merely an albinoid variety of 
H. sacra, is not uncommon about the Andamans and Hieobars. It usually associates with H. sacra ; but is so shy and wary 
that it is almost impossible to get a shot. In size, gait, habits, &c. it is identical with //. sacra, differing only in colour.” 


133 


A. albolineata (P. Z. S. 1859, p. 166). The difference seems to be too slight and uncertain on which 
to found a species ; but if not two species, there are certainly two races in these Pacific Islands, a 
larger and a smaller, and the two do not appear to be found in the same locality anywhere. 
Native name ‘ Inpaing.’ Mr. Inglis observes that it wades in the sea rather than in streams.” 

In the breeding-season I have heard these birds mewing like kittens as they hovered overhead, 
and Avere evidently concerned about their nests. On one occasion, when exploring the Eurimu 
rocks, in the Bay of Plenty, a Heron thus employed was fiercely beset by a colony of Terns (Sterna 
frontalis), who were themselves under some excitement about their nesting-ground and appeared to 
regard with suspicion this uncanny mewing in their midst. The Heron was speedily discomfited and 
put to flight. 

Macgillivray states that it “ inhabits the islands of the north-east coast of Australia and Torres 
Strait, and is abundantly distributed from the Capricorn group in lat. 23° 30' S., as far north as 
Darnley Island in lat. 9° 35' S. It procures its food at low Avater on the coral-reef surrounding the 
low Avooded islands it loves to frequent. Although generally a wary bird, even when little disturbed 
by man, yet on one occasion on Heron Island I knocked doAvn several with a stick. The nest is 
usually placed on a tree ; but on those islands Avhere there are none, such as Raine’s Islet and else- 
Avhere, it breeds among the recesses of the rocks ; where the trees are tall, as at Oomaga or Keat’s 
Island, the nests are placed near the summit ; on Dugong Island they Avere placed on the root of a 
tree, on a low stump, or half-way up a low bushy tree. They are shallow in form, eighteen inches in 
diameter, and constructed of small sticks, and lined AAuth twigs ; the eggs are tAVo in number, and of 
a pale bluish Avhite.” Gilbert, who found this species nesting at Port Essington, says ; — “ On one 
small rock I found at least fifty of these nests, some of Avhich were so close as nearly to touch each 
other. The eggs were sometimes two, and at others three, in number.” 

Captain Mair Avrites — “ On Whale Island I saAv some thirty of these birds, and I found a 
number of their nests in a caA^e. Those that were fully fledged Avere a beautiful light blue colour, 
Avith bright yelloAV legs. It was very funny to Avatch them flying into the high trees, perching among 
the Shags, and looking very gaAvky ; then, presently, the Shags, Avith loud guttural noises, Avould 
sally forth, chasing them far and wide.” 

The “ Cranes’ cave,” as it is called, is open to the sea at the entrance, but it extends inAvards 
some 30 feet, and has an elevated or arched roof, and the nests of the Herons are placed on the 
projecting ledges of rock. 

Mr. S. H. Drew, of Wanganui, sends me the folloAving: — “On my last visit to Kapiti I noticed 
a pair of Blue Herons flying short distances near where Ave were camped, and from the general 
demeanour of the birds I concluded that Ave Avere not far from their breeding-place. We accordingly 
proceeded in our boat to a high rocky point protecting a cave into which the sea rolled even at low 
\vater. I climbed up about thirty feet, and there found the nest — a rudely constructed clumsy thing 
Avith three beautiful light blue eggs in it, one of which I send you. The nest Avas made of coarse grass 
and thin sticks, without lining of any sort, and the Avonder to me Avas hoAV the birds with their long 
legs could sit in such a nest Avithout breaking the eggs, the shell of Avhich is so fragile.” 

There is a single egg of this species in the Canterbury Museum ; it is of a regular ovoido-elliptical 
form, measuring T9 inch in length by I’3 in breadth, and of a delicate greenish Avhite. Another 
received from Hawke’s Bay is of a narrow oval form, measuring 1-9 inch by 1-35 inch, very finely 
granulate on the surface, and Avithout any gloss. The colour in the dried shell is a delicate pale green, 
but it Avas no doubt brighter Avhen fresh. The one in my son’s collection obtained on the Island of 
Kapiti, as mentioned above, is slightly smaller and of a pale blue colour. 


Oedee HEEODIOjVES.] 


[Eam. ARDEID^. 


AEDEA NOV^ HOLLANDIiE. 

(WHITE-FRONTED HERON.) 


White-fronted Heron, Phillip, Voy. Bot. Bay, i. p. 163, pi. 27 (1789). 
Ardea nonce hollandim. Lath. Gen. Ind. ii. p. 701 (1790, ex Phillip), 
Ardea leucops, Wagl. Syst. Av. Ardea, sp. 17 (1827). 

Herodias novce hollandice. Gray, Cat. Gralloe Brit. Mus. p. 80 (1844). 
Hemiegretta novce hollandice. Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 28 (1871). 


Native name. — Matuku-moana. 


Ad. supra, dilute schistaceo-cinereus, pileo cristate saturatiore : interscapulio scapularibusque pallidioribus, cinereis, 
quasi strigatis : tectricibus alarum dilute cinereis : remigibus scliistaceo-uigricantibus, secundariis dare 
cincreo lavatis : rectricibus scbistaceo-cinereis, vcr.sus apicem bruimescentibus ; fronte et supercilio lato, 
facie laterali et gutture toto albis : I’egione parotica et cello lateral! cinereis : subtus pallide einereus, cello 
undique saturatiore, jugulo medio et imo pallide rufescente ; subalaribus pallide cinereis, albicantibus : 
region c oculari pallide virescenti-flavd : rostro nigro, versus basin mandibulse albicante : pedibus flavicanti- 
bus, tarsis imis digitisque virescentibus : iride Isete flavfi,. 

Adult. Forebead, space round the eyes, and throat white ; crown of the head dark cinereous or bluish grey, 
the occipital feathers rather elongated, and lighter ; sides of the head, neck, and all the upper parts bright 
cinereous, with a warm purplish tinge ; the back ornamented with a series of long lanceolate plumes of a 
lighter colour, some of which extend beyond the scapulars ; down the fore neck a stripe of buff, changing 
below to yellowish brown ; the long plumes overlapping the breast very soft in texture, and of a roseate 
purple tint; underparts generally pale cinereous brown, slightly tinged with purple; quills and tail-feathers 
dark slate-grey. Irides bright yellow ; edges of eyelids, bare part of lores, and membrane suiTounding the 
angle of the mouth pale greenish yellow ; bill black, the lower mandible whitish towards the base ; legs 
yellow, tinged more or less with dusky green on the toes and lower part of tarsi ; claws pale brown. Length 
25-5 inches; extent of wings 42; wing, from flexure, 12; tail 5; bill, along the ridge 3, along the edge of 
lower mandible 4 ; bare tibia 2 ; tarsus 3-5 ; middle toe and claw 2'6 ; hind toe and claw 1-75. 

Young. Differs from the adult in having more white about the head and neck, and a darker tinge of brown on 
the underparts ; the dorsal plumes, moreover, are scanty, and the delicate purplish tint on the breast is 
altogether wanting. 


The White-fronted Heron is very sparingly dispersed over the New-Zealand coasts, being extremely 
rare at the far north ; but, according to Gould, it is very abundant over every part of Tasmania, the 
Colonies of New South Wales, South Australia, and Swan River. “ Low sandy beaches washed by 
the open ocean, arras of the sea, and the sides of rivers and lagoons, both in the interior of the country 
and near the coast, are equally tenanted by it ; consequently it is one of the commonest species of the 
genus in all the countries above mentioned, and may frequently be seen walking knee-deep in the 
water of the salt marshes in search of food, which consists of crabs, fish, and marine insects. Its 
flight is heavy and flapping, like that of the other Herons ; but it runs more quickly over the ground, 
and is continually moving about when searching for food, and never stands motionless in the water 


135 


as the true Herons do : these active habits are, in fact, necessary to enable it to capture insects and 
crabs, upon which it mainly subsists.” 

In the Hairini bay, at Tauranga, I saw a pair of these birds on the flats just above the bridge. 
They stalked about with a loftier mien than Ardea sacra, and were readily distinguishable, even at 
some distance, by the lighter grey of their plumage *. 

The Blue Heron seems to prefer the rock-bound coast, springing from one jutting stone to 
another as it searches for its prey. The White-fronted Heron, on the other hand, is geneially to be 
seen on the hard sandy beaches and mud-flats within the river-mouths and estuaries. You will see 
him stalking about alone on the beach, as if for the mere pleasure of exercising his limbs ; then he flies 
off to a small rock standing out of the water and takes up a position for Ashing. He balances his 
body horizontally, holds back his head and watches ; then with the rapidity of thought he strikes 
forward, plunging his head into the water and bringing out a struggling victim. I have watched 
one thus engaged for a considerable time through a powerful binocular, and I have seen it catch 
minnows fully five inches in length, and in the intervals turn its attention to smaller fry, by snatching 
at flies or other insects passing within its reach. I have observed the same thing on watching some 
captive ones in the Acclimatization Gardens at Sydney ; for they were perpetually chasing flies and 
other insects that came within their enclosure. 

A pair of these birds which I obtained in the Porirua Harbour, near Wellington, in the month 
of April, had their stomachs filled with shrimps. 

It is strange that although the Blue Heron breeds freely on the small islands lying off the 
Bay of Plenty, this species is never found nesting there. This may, however, be due to the relative 
scarcity of the bird. 

“ Some nests,” writes Mr. Gould (Handb. B. Austr. ii. p. 299), “ I observed in the month of 
October 1838, on the banks of the Derwent, were placed on the tops of the smaller gum-trees, and 
most of them contained newly hatched birds. Mr. Kermode informed me that it annually breeds 
in the neighbourhood of his estate, near the centre of Tasmania. The nest is of a moderate size, 
and is composed of sticks and leaves. The eggs are four in number, of a pale bluish green, one inch 
and seven eighths long by one inch and a quarter broad.” 

* Mr. Edward Wakefield, under the toad of “ Soienco Gossip,” writes;— “ There is another bird, the White-fronted Heron 
{ArdM novee UTlanclim\ which is much rarer in Now Zealand than the Blue Heron, but which is, nevertheless, not only not 
unknown here, but fairly well known. It is only found by accident, as it were, here and there. It is not properly a New- 
Zealand bird at aU. It is a very common Australian bird, and is a mere passing visitor in this country. Still, it is a New- 
Zealand bird, in a sense, because it breeds here sometimes. But it is only very sparsely distributed on our coasts. A friend of 
mine at Collingwood, a digger, who knew a good deal about natirral history, told me that ho had observed these birds in the 
southern estuaries of Blind Bay for years, and gave me a description of their habits, which left me no doubt in my mind of the 
truth of his statements. I am quite prepared to admit, however, that tho White-fronted Heron is a very uncommon bird, and 
that is why I bring it into notice here. It is very like tho Blue Heron, except that it has a white forehead, space round the 
eyes and throat, and the colour of its plumage all over is ever so much lighter than that of the Blue Heron. To sum it up, I 
should say that Ardea mvee hoHandice is like a washed-out specimen of Ardea sacra.” 

Mr. 0. H. Eobson writes to mo from Portland Island I orrght to inform you that a peculiar-looking Heron comes to 
catch fish on some rooks at our landing-place, and I have a fine view of him from a cliff close to the house, about 250 feet high : 
he seems to mo much larger than either Ardea sacra or A, novez hollandice •, his head and neck are much darker than in those 
birds, being almost black, and, except a white line over the bill, there seems to bo no more white about him; the wings and back 
are a light slate-grey ; legs and feet yellow. I should think he must be quite 4 feet long. Do you know such a bird ? I shall 
make every effort to secure him. lu the mean time I study his habits with a good binocular race-glass. 


Obber HEEODIONES.] 


[Eam. AEDEID^.. 


AEDEA MACULATA. 

(LITTLE BITTERN.) 


Spotted Heron, Lath. Gen. Syn. Suppl. ii. p. 305 (1801). 

Ardea maculata. Lath. Ind. Orn. Suppl. ii. p. Ixiv (1801, nec Bodd., nec Vieill.). 
Ardea piisilla, Vieill. N. Diet. d’Hist. Nat. xiv. p. 432 (1817). 

Ardetta punctata, Gray, Cat. Grallae Brit. Mus. p. 83 (1844). 

Ardetta pusilla, Gould, Birds of Austr. vi. pi. 68 (1848). 

Ardeola pusilla, Bonap. C. E. xl. p. 722 (1855). 

Ardeola novae zealandice, Purdie, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. iii. p. 99 (1870). 

Ardetta maculata, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 235 (1873). 


Hative name. — Kaoriki. 


Ad. $ pileo cjeruleo-nigro : supercilio distincto, facie et collo lateralihus sordide ferrugineis, regione parotica 
stratnine^ : dorso toto nigro, pliimis quibusdam brumieo, ferrugineo aut stramineo extus lavatis : tectvicibus 
alarum ocbrascentibus, minoribus dorsalibus et exterioribus fci'rugineis nigro medialiter notatis : alii cseru- 
lescenti-nigra, tectricibus majoribus, ala spnriii et remigibus ferrugineo limbatis aut apicaliter maculatis : 
caud^ cserulescenti-nigrsl : gutture toto albo, utrinque ferrugineo, plumis medialiter saturatius brnnneis et 
stramineo conspicub lavatis : corpore rcliquo subtiis albicantc, bypoeliondriis plumis medialiter nigris, quasi 
striatis, ferrugineo aut stramineo marginatis ; subalaribus ocbrascentibus, medialiter brunneis, margine 
alari undique albo : regione oculari flavicanti-viridi : rostro saturate brunneo, lateraliter et versus basin 
flavicanti-viridi ; pedibus Isete viridibus, tarso superiore digitisque brunneo tinctis : iride aurea. 

Juv. $ mari similis sed sordidior ; tectricibus medianis alarum stramineis medialiter brunneis : gutture minus 
distinctb notato. 

Adult. Forehead, crown of the head, and nape bluish black ; throat and front of the neck tawny buff, each feather 
shaded in the centre with brown ; from the chin and down the fore neck an irregular streak of reddish brown j 
on the sides of the neck the buff passes gradually into a rich chestnut j and this colour is continued on the 
sides of the head, forming a broad streak over the eyes, and another, less distinct, to the angles of the mouth, 
mixed with tawny yellow on the ear-coverts ; underparts pale buff, each feather centred more or less with 
black j on each side of the chest the black predominates, forming broad acuminate sti’ipes; the whole of the 
back and the feathers composing the mantle bronzy black, tinged more or less with chestnut, the scapulars 
margined with tawny buff j quills and tail-feathers bluish black, slaty on their under surface, the inner 
primaries, as well as their coverts and most of the secondaries, tipped with chestnut-brown ; the primary 
coverts and a patch of feathers near the flexure pale chestnut, edged with fulvous, the former centred more 
or less with black j the small wing-coverts and the whole of the secondary coverts blackish brown, broadly 
edged with yellowish buff, and presenting a handsome appearance. Irides golden yellow ; eyelids and bare 
space in front of the eyes yellowish green; bill dark browm along the ridge and at the tip, yellowish green 
on the sides and towards the base of both mandibles ; legs and feet bright green, stained at the tarsal joint 
and along the toes with dark brown. Length 15 inches; wing, from flexure, 625; tail 2; bill, along the 
ridge 2-2, along the edge of lower mandible 2-75 ; bare tibia '5 ; tarsus 2T ; middle toe and claw 2-5 ; hind 
toe and claw 1’5. 


137 


Young. Differs from the adult in having the plumage of the back darker^ and the "wing-coverts of a rich tawny 
huffj shading into chestnut on the secondary coverts and towards the flexure. 

Obs. The Otago Museum contains two specimens — one from Jackson^s Bay^ the other from Lake Wakatipu. 
They are adult birds, but not “ sexed,” and both are in the same plumage, all the wing-coverts having a 
broad wedge-shaped mark of brownish black down the centre. One has the neck-plumes a little brighter 
than the other, hut they are alike in size and in every other respect. 

Remarks, Mr. Gould, in his account of this species in Australia, states that “ the sexes differ considerably from 
each other, the female being mottled and of a smaller size than the male ; ” and he gives the following 
description of the former ; — “ Head and back chestnut ; wing-coverts very deep tawny, passing into chestnut 
on the tips of the coverts and secondaries ; primaries grey, tipped with brown ; tail black j sides of the neck 
pale chestnut j front of the throat and the under surface white, with a stripe of tawny down the middle, and 
a small streak of brown in the centre of each feather, the brown hue predominating and forming a conspi- 
cuous mark down the throat^’ No specimen has yet been obtained in New Zealand ansnering to the above 
account j but, so far as I can learn, the supposed example of the female in the Canterbury Museum (corre- 
sponding more nearly in plumage to the young as described above) was not dissected ; and without this it 
would of course be impossible to determine the sex. The young bird from which I have taken my description 
exhibits one or two new feathers among the wing-coverts, marked, as in the adult, with abroad central streak 
of blackish brown, thus indicating a transition to the more handsome variegated plumage ; and Dr. Garland, 
who dissected the specimen, informs me that it proved to be a male. The bird described by Mr.Purdie (/. c.) 
with “ rufous-brown eyes and buff wing-coverts ” was evidently in an immature state. 

Note. Since the publication of my first edition, two more specimens have been received at the Canterbury 
Museum, and these proved on dissection to be male and female. If the “ sexing ” in these cases is to be 
relied on, it would seem that, in our New-Zealand bird, the sexes are alike, the plain tawny wing-coverts being 
only a sign of immaturity. 


This Tittle Bittern is undoubtedly the true representative in our hemisphere of the Ardea minwta 
of Europe, to which it bears a very close resemblance both in appearance and in habits. It is a very 
rare species in Australia, where, according to Gould, only a few individuals have as yet been procured, 
and all of these from one locality. It is equally rare in New Zealand, and appears to be scarcely less 
local in its distribution. The first recorded specimens (two in number) were obtained by Mr. Shaw 
at Kanieri, on the west coast, in March 1868, and forwarded to the Canterbury Museum, where they 
are still preserved. Subsequently a third specimen was obtained in one of the swampy creeks that 
feed the Okarita lagoon — and another at the head of the Whakatipu Lake, above Queenstown, in the 
Province of Otago. I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. Clapeott and Dr. Garland respectively for 
the specimens of the adult and young from which the above descriptions are taken; both of these 
were obtained in the vicinity of the Hokitika township, in the autumn of 1871 f. 

Mr. Dochertv, who collected some of the examples enumerated above, has furnished the following 
interesting notes on the subject i— “ They are to be found on the salt-water lagoons on the seashore, 
always hugging the timbered side of the same. I have seen them in two positions, viz. : standing 
on the bank of the lagoon, with their heads bent forward, studiously watching the water ; at other 
times I have seen them standing straight up, almost perpendicular ; 1 should say this is the proper 

*■ Writing of the Dwarf Bitterns in India, Bl 3 'th says ; — “ The male acquires his final livery at the first moult, tho female 
not before the third or fourth moult ; in the meanwhile she presents an intermediate garb, which is ultimately exchanged for 
the same livery as that of the male.” 

t I am indebted to tho llev. W. Colenso, D.E.S., for tho following note “ As far hack as the year 1836 tho Eev. Mr. 
Stack obtained at Tauranga a specimen of the Little Bittern, and sent it to the late Gilbert Mair, Esq., J.l’., who presented it to 
me. It was alive in my possession for some time, and I ultimately sent the skin to the Linnean Society. Hone of the natives in 
the district knew the bird.” 

VOL. II. ^ 


138 


position for the bird to be placed in when stutfed. When speaking of lagoons as the places where 
they are to be found, I may mention that I caught one about two miles in the bush, on the bank of a 
creek ; but the creek led to a lagoon. They live on small fishes or the roots of reeds ; I should say 
the latter, because at the very place where I caught one I observed the reeds turned up and the roots 
gone. They are very solitary, and always found alone, and they stand for hours in one place. I 
heard a person say that he had opened one and found a large egg in it. They breed on the ground 
in very obscure places ; I never heard their cry.” 

Dr. Kamsay writes of this bird in Australia: — This beautiful little species is still plentiful in the 
neighbourhood of Cleveland Bay, and also in the Herbert river district ; from both these places have I 
received specimens. The species was once tolerably numerous near Sydney; and there are still 
specimens in the Dobroyde collection which were shot at Botany Bay and near Newtown. I observe 
no difierence in plumage or size in the Northern Queensland specimens and those shot near Sydney.” 

Mr. Potts, in his account of the specimens in the Canterbury Museum, states that “ they were 
taken alive without any very great difficulty, after which they were turned loose amongst the fowls in 
a poultry-yard. They were found dead shortly afterwards — it is alleged, from exposure to the keen 
frosty night air, being deprived of the accustomed protection aff'orded by the thickly-growing sedgy 
vegetation of their swampy habitat. They had been observed standing motionless on a bare stem or 

stalk, from which they overlooked the water It is stated that the Little Bittern is so quiet 

in his habits that it will remain still when approached, and almost suffer itself to be taken by the 
hand.” 

I had an opportunity of observing one of these birds in a state of captivity at Hokitika, in May 
1871. It had been taken only a few days before, and was already comparatively tame. Its usual 
posture was one of repose, with the head drawn in and resting on the shoulders ; but when alarmed 
or excited it assumed a very different attitude, standing almost bolt upright, with the body resting, 
as it were, on the tarsal joints, these being brought close together, the neck stretched upwards to its 
full extent and perfectly rigid, the beak elevated, and the eyes directed outwards and downwards in 
such a w'ay as to command a full view in front without having to move the head. On being turned 
out in the verandah it ran quickly and spread its wings, but did not make any attempt to fly, and after 
a short interval endeavoured to re-enter its cage. It evinced great alarm on the appearance of a cat, 
stretching up its neck and emitting a peculiar snapping cry. At other times when molested it uttered 
a cry not unlike that of the Kingfisher, although not so loud. Mr. McNee, to whom the bird belonged, 
informed me that he could not get it to eat any thing till he produced a dish of water containing 
some “ mudfish,” which it instantly seized and devoured. This singular fish (named by Dr. Giinther 
Weachanna ajjoda) is very common in the Hokitika district, being found in all the creeks and surface- 
ponds in the woods which here cover the whole face of the country. The remarkable part of their 
history is that on the pools becoming dry these mudfish burrow into the moist soil or clay, often to 
the depth of two feet, remaining there for an indefinite time, or till the return of rainy weather has 
rendered their pools habitable again. Archdeacon Harper informed me that he himself dug up two 
of these mudfish in comparatively hard clay in his garden, at a depth of moi’e than three feet from 
the surface, where they were occupying artificially formed chambers. Another curious fact, which I 
give on the testimony of Mr. McNee, is that several of these mudfish after being exposed in his verandah 
for a whole night, and apparently lifeless, recovered their vitality on being restored to a basin of 
w ater ; and when shown to me on the following day they certainly exhibited a great amount of 
activity. I think it highly probable that the mudfish constitutes the chief food of the Little Bittern ; 
for as many of the surface pools are never dry, there w^ould be no difficulty in finding a supply all the 
year round. I may mention also that Mr. Clapcotts bird, while alive in his possession, was fed on 
worms, and that it would only take them when placed in a saucer or other vessel containing water. 


Ordee HEEODIONES.] 


[Fam. ARDEID^. 


NYCTICOEAX C ALEDONICTIS. 

(NANKEEN NIGHT-HERON.) 


Caledonian Night-Heron, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 55 (1785). 
Ardea caledonica, Gtn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 626 (1788). 

Ardea norm hollandiw, Vieill. N. Diet. d’Hist. Nat. xiv. p. 436 (1817). 
Njcticorax caledonicus, Steph. Gen. Zool. xi. p. 613 (1819). 
New-Holland Night-Heron, Lath. Gen. Hist. ix. p. 62 (1824). 

Ardea sparrmannii, Wagl. Syst. Av. Ardea, sp. 32 (1827). 

Nyctiardea caledonica. Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 33 (1871). 


^^^.supr^ dilute cinnamoraeus, dorso postico et uropygio paullo palhdioribus : pileo enstato et nneha mgr . 
plumis tribus occipitalibus pendentibus albis : striga superciliari, regione oculan et gems anticis albis : facie 
reliqua et collo laterali delicate ciunaraomeis : alis et cauda cimiamomeis oimiuib dorso concoloribus : subtus 
albus, gutture antico et laterali delicate cimiamomeis : regione ociilari virescenti-flava : rostro mgro, versus 
apicem corneo, gonyde cornea aut flavieante : pedibus sordide flavis : iride aurantiaca. 

Adult. Crown of the bead and the nape glossy blacb ; three occipital plumes, consisting of extremely fine 
feathers rolled in the form of a pointed queue, six inches long, pure white, with a narrow shaft-line o 
brown - ’sides and hind part of the neck, and the entire upper surface rich cmnamon-bTOwn, this colour 
being Lepcst on the shoulders, quills, and tail-feathers; throat, streak over the eyes, sides of fece, fore 
neck and all the under surface pure white ; on the sides of the neck and on the lower part of the body t e 
cinnamon and white are gradually blended. Hides orange; the bare space surronndmg hem greenish 
yellow ; bill black, horn-coloured or yellowish at the tip and along the lower edge of the under mandi e 
tarsi and toes dull yellow ; claws dark brown. Total length 21 inches ; wing, from flexure 11 ; tail 1; bill 
along the ridge 2-75, along the edge of lower mandible 3-5 ; bare tibia 1 ; tarsus 3 ; middle toe and 

3-25 ; hind toe and claw 2-25. 

Ymna Mr. Gould stale, that the young bird of the first year has the whole of the upper surface striated with 
buff and blaehish brown, narrow and lanceolate on the head and neck, broad and conspreuous on the back 
and wings; primaries and tail-feathers dark chestnut-red, deepening into black near the extremity and 
tipped with huffy white ; all the under surface buffy white, with a stripe of brown down t le cen re o eac 

feather ; irides yellow. 

04s. In some specimens the occipital plumes are tinged with buff and have black tips; in others, again, they 
are entirely absent ; these differences being apparently due to age and season. 


This species can only be included in our list as an occasional straggler Irom Australia, where it is 
said to be universally dispersed, although less abundant on the western *a-" ehewheie. 

specimen, now in my collection in the Colonial Museum, was shot m the Wellington Prov. 
thirty-one years ago ; and several instances have since been reported of its occurrence m the boutli 

Island *. 

* Referring to these cases, Sir George Grey has lately informed me that, that th’o stray birds 

some of these birds from Australia and liberated them at Wellington ; from wliic i mij, } ^ ^ 


140 


Layard, writing on the birds of New Caledonia (Ibis, 1882, p. 531), says of this species : — “This 
Night-Heron is found sparingly wherever we have been ; but it is a curious fact that, though perhaps 
a dozen specimens have come into our hands to be skinned, not one has possessed the long white 
occipital plumes which have garnished the heads of all those we saw in Australia. It may be that 
they are only assumed during the breeding-season, and that they breed only in the north of this 
island.” 

I quote the following interesting account of this Night-Heron from Gould’s ‘Handbook to the 
Birds of Australia’ (vol. ii. pp. 311, 312); — “In the southern latitudes it is only a summer visitant, 
arriving in New South Wales and South Australia in August and September, and retiring again in 
February. As its name implies, it is nocturnal in its habits ; and from its frequenting swamps, the 
sedgy banks of rivers, and other secluded situations, it is seldom seen. On the approach of morning it 
retires to the forests and perches among the branches of large trees, where, shrouded from the heat of 
the sun, it sleeps the whole day, and when once discovered is easily shot; for, if forced to quit its 
perch, it merely flies a short distance and again alights. Its flight is slow and flapping ; and during 
its passage through the air the head is drawn back between the shoulders, and the legs are stretched 
out backwards, after the manner of the true Herons. When perched on the trees, or resting on the 
ground, it exhibits none of the grace and elegance of those birds, its short neck resting on the shoulders. 
When impelled to search for a supply of food, it naturally becomes more animated, and its actions 
lively and prying ; the varied nature of its food in fact demands some degree of activity — Ashes, 
water-lizards, crabs, frogs, leeches, and insects being all partaken of with equal avidity. 

“ It breeds in the months of November and December, and generally in companies, like the true 
Herons, the favourite localities being the neighbourhood of swampy districts, where an abundant 
supply of food is to be procured ; the branches of large trees, points of shelving rocks, and caverns are 
equally chosen as a site for the nest, which is rather large and flat, and generally composed of crooked 
sticks loosely interwoven. The eggs, which are usually three in number, are of a pale green colour, 
and average two inches and five eighths in length by one inch and a half in breadth.” 


captured here, although at intervals of many years, were only the introduced stock or their descendants. However, I find the 
following passage, evidently relating to the above species, in an interesting paper by the Rev. W. Colonso, P.R.S., published in 
‘ The Tasmanian Journal of Natural Science’ as far back as 1845 : — “In crossing a very deep swamp [in the Waikato district] 
a beautiful bird, apparently of the Crane kind, rose gracefully from the mud among the reeds and flew slowly past us ; its under 
plumage was of a light yellow or ochre colour, with a dark brown upper plumage. None of my natives know the bird, declaring 
they had never seen such an one before.” For this reason I have the loss hesitation in treating the Nankeen Night-Heron as a 
voluntary visitant. 

In the same paper Mr. Colenso gives the following account of another bird, seen by him in 1845, which has never since 
been recorded in New Zealand : — “A little below Ngaruawahia (on the Waikato river) we met a man in a canoe with a live and 
elegant specimen of the genus Fulica. I hailed the man and purchased the bird, which ho had recently snared, for a little 
tobacco. It was a most graceful creature, and, as far as I am aware, an entirely new and undescribed species. Its general 
colour was dark, almost black ; head grey and without a frontal shield ; fore neck and breast ferruginous red ; wings barred 
with white ; bill produced and sharp ; feet and legs glossy olive ; toes beautifully and largely festooned at the edges ; eye light 
coloured and very animated. It was very fierce and never ceased attempting to bite at everything within its reach. I kept it 
until we landed, intending to preserve it, but as it was late, and neither material at hand nor time to spare, and the animal, 
too, looking so lovely that I could not make up my mind to put it to death, I let it go. It swam, dived, and disappeared .... 
Not a doubt, in my opinion, can exist as to its being naturally allied in habit and affinity to the Fulica ; ; I have therefore named 
it Fulica novae zealandice. In size it was somewhat less than our European species, F. afra.” 


V 



NEW-ZEALAND BITTERN. 


BOTAURUS PCECILOPTILUS. 

(ONE-THIRD NATURAL SIZE.J 





vr 





;■ 












I 



Oedee HEEODIOI^ES.] 


[Fam. AEDEIDjE. 


BOTAUETIS P(ECILOPTILUS. 

(BLACK-BACKED BITTERN.) 


Ardea poiciloptila, Wagl. Syst. Av. Ardea, sp. 28, note (1827). 
Botaurus melanotus, Gray, in Dieflf. Ti'av., App. p. 196 (1843). 
Botaurus poiciloptilus. Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 557 (1847). 
Botaurus australis, Gould, B. of Austr. vi. pi. 64 (1848). 
Botaurus pceciloptila, Bonap. C. K. xl. p. 723 (1855). 

Botaurus poicilopterus, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 236. 

Ardea pcecUoptera, Finsch, J. f. O. 1870, p. 348. 

Ardea poiceloptera, Hutton, Cat. Birds of N. Z. p. 28 (1871). 

Native name. — Matuku-hurepo. 


Ad. supra nigricauti-brunneus, interscapulii plumis paucis et scapularibus exterioribus irregulariter fulvescente 
transvermiculatis : uropygio imo et supracaudalibus clarius fulvescentibus latius brunneo transnotatis : 
tectricibus alarum bruunescentibus ubique fulvescente transversim vermiculatis, minimis omninb nigricanti- 
brunneis : remigibus et rectricibus nigricanti-brunneis, sparsim fulvescente irregulariter notatis, illis intbs 
vix fasciatis : pileo sumrao et collo lateral! saturate bruuneis, indistiucte fulvo transversim termmatis : 
supercilio lato cum regione parotica, geuis guiaque fulvescentibus : linea lata ab oculo postico ad colluni 
laterale ductli brunneb ; corpore reliquo subtbs ocbrascenti-fulvo, plumis brunneo irregulariter iiotatis vel 
transfasciatis, intcrdum quasi late lougitudinaliter strigatis, gutture et pectore superiore pallidfe brunneo 
marmoratis ; subcaudalibus fulvis ; subalaril)us fulvis ubique brunneo irregulariter notatis : rostro saturate 
brunneo : regione ocular! et pcdibus pulchre dilutb viridibus ; iride flavb. 

Adult. Head and nape dark brown; superciliary streak and region of the ears tawny, the former freckled with 
brown ; back of neck and lower part of back dark purplish brown varied with buff ; mantle, scapulars, and 
secondaries dai'k brown with purplish reflexions, freckled, and mottled on the edges with tawny yellow ; 
upper surface of wings pale buff, the longer coverts with broad arrow-head marks along their whole extent, 
and the shorter ones freckled and mottled with different shades of brown ; primaries purplish brown, with 
dark shafts, marbled on their inner webs with buff ; secondaries darker brown, marbled on both vanes, but 
more conspicuously on the inner ; tail-feathers dark brown, margined and freckled with buff, especially on 
the outer ones ; throat, front and sides of the neck, and all the under surface tawny buff, variegated with 
dark brown ; on the throat the brown markings are very indistinct, being limited to a narrow freckled line 
down the middle ; on the fore neck each feather has a broad mark of yellowish brown down the centre, with 
vandyked edges in some and lateral continuations in others ; on the long neck-plumes which overhang the 
breast, and on the overlapping femorals, these markings assume the character of narrow zigzag lines and 
arrow-heads. The broad feathers covering the upper part of the breast are blackish brown in the centre 
with tawny-white sides ; but these are usually concealed by the overhanging plumes of the fore neck ; on 
the sides of the body there are irregular longitudinal streaks of dark brown ; abdomen, inner sides of the 
tibia and under tail-coverts yellowish buff without any markings ; outer sides of the tibia tawny variegated 
with brown; lining of wings and axillary plumes pale buff, barred and mottled with purplish brown. Irides 
yellow ; bill dark brown, whitish on the sides and towards the base of lower mandible ; eyelids, naked loral 
membrane, legs, and feet beautiful pale green ; the claws dark brown, with liorn-colourcd tips. Total 
length 30 inches; extent of wings 48 ; wing, from flexure, 14’5; tail 5 ; bill, along the ridge /5, alon^ 
the edge of lower mandible 4; bare tibia 1 ; tarsus 4 ; middle toe and claw^ 5‘2o ; hind toe and claw 3 75. 


142 


Female. I think Mr. Gould is in error in his statement (Handbook to the Birds o£ Australia, ii. p. 314) that 
“ the sexes are alike in plumage, hut the female is smaller than the male.^'’ So far as my observation goes, 
the female is invariably larger than the male, and is further distinguishable by its much duller plumage. 

Varieties. A partial albino was shot at Moutoa, near Foxton, in the autumn of 1884, and I had an opportunity 
of examining it whilst in the hands of the taxidermist. The head and fore neck were pure white, the long 
neck-plumes overhanging the breast, as also the shoulders and the fore part of breast, largely but irre- 
gularly marked with white ; the rest of the plumage as in ordinary examples. 

A specimen which I obtained from Christchurch and presented to the Colonial Museum is of unusually 
large size, and has the whole of the fore neck and ruff tawny yellow, shaded with pale brown on the sides of 
the latter, all the markings being much obliterated, the plumage having a “washed out” appearance; the 
whole of the underparts dingy yellowish white, the axillary plumes and the femorals irregularly barred with 
brown ; cheeks and sides of the head pale tawny brown, the plumage of the upper surface as in ordinary 
examples. 

Obs. Individuals differ not only in size but in the details of their colouring — so much so, indeed, that the natives 
believe in the existence of two species, the smaller and darker of wdiich they distinguish as “ Matuku- 
karourou;” but having now before me a series of thirteen specimens exhibiting a considerable amount of 
individual variation, I am unable to recognize any such distinction. 

Remarks. This bird has the faculty of expanding the plumage of the neck laterally ; and the hind part of the 
neck, which is exposed by this action, is covered with a long fluffy or downy growth. When the body is 
quiescent the long side-feathers overlie this downy plumage and effectually conceal it. The claw of the 
middle toe is strongly pectinate on its inner margin, and in old birds the edges are often much worn and 
broken. 


The Common Bittern is very generally distributed over the country, in places suited to its habits of 
life, such as raupo swamps, sedgy lagoons, and those “ blind creeks,” covered over with a growth of 
reeds and tangle, which are so numerous in all the low districts. In some localities it is comparatively 
abundant — for example, along the Avhole extent of swampy flats lying between Waikanae and Eangi- 
tikei, on the west coast of the Wellington provincial district, where I have obtained half a dozen in 
the course of a single afternoon. It is likewise met with in all parts of the Australian continent, 
although very few specimens appear to have been sent to Europe ; and Captain Sturt reports that 
he found it very plentiful in the marshes of the interior. It is said to occur also in the Chatham 
Islands ; and there is reason to believe that its range extends to Polynesia. 

It is a true Bittern in all its habits, being, in fact, the southern representative of the Botaurus 
stellaris of Europe. It appears to love a solitary life, being always met with singly ; it remains 
concealed during the heat of the day, and at eventide startles the ear with its four loud booming 
notes, slowdy repeated, and resembling the distant roar of an angry bull. It subsists on mice, lizards, 
eels, and freshwater fish, of various kinds ; from the gullet of one that I had shot I extracted two 
headless eels, each measuring 16 inches in length, from which some idea may be formed of the 
capacity of a Bittern’s stomach ! 

It is interesting to steal up, under cover, and watch this Bittern alternately feeding and reposing 
in its sedgy haunts. When in a quiescent posture the body is nearly erect, the head thrown hack and 
resting on the shoulders, wfith the beak pointed upw'ards, and the contracted neck forming a broad 
curve with the closed ruff depending, the attitude altogether being rather gi'otesque. The instant, 
however, any sound causes it alarm the whole character of the bird is changed : the neck is stretched 
to its full length, and every movement betokens caution and vigilance ; unless immediately reassured, 
it spreads its broad wings and raises itself into the air in a rather aw'kward manner, with the legs dangling 
down, but gradually raised to a level with the tail ; the flight then assumes a steady course, often in 


143 


a broad semicircle, and is maintained by slow and regular flappings. If unmolested, it may be 
observed stalking knee-deep in the water in search of food, with its neck inclined forward, raising its 
foot high at every step, as if deliberately measuring the ground. A live one brought to me by a 
native, enclosed in an eel-basket, lived in my possession for a week ; but it refused to take food of 
any kind, and died of sheer starvation, remaining fierce and untamable to the very last. On being 
approached it would erect or spread the feathers of the neck and throw forward the wings, thus 
presenting a very bold front to the enemy. On any object being placed near it, the bird would 
strike furiously with its pointed bill ; and it made frequent assaults of this kind on the network of 
its temporary cage. 

Layard writes from New Caledonia (Ibis, 1882, p. 531) “ We had heard of a wonderful bird 

that inhabited the swamps, even in the neighbourhood of Noumea, which frightened belated travellers 
and ‘ made night hideous ’ with its unearthly cries, and were therefore not astonished when our friend 
M. Saves presented us with a fine specimen of the Australian Bittern, shot at Ansevata. W^e subse- 
quently obtained a few other examples ; and we suspect that it is not very rare in suitable localities. 
From its retiring habits, however, it is seldom procured, unless purposely hunted, there being here 
no Snipe to tempt the shooters into swamps.” 

Dr. Kamsay writes of this bird in Australia : — “ It is far more plentiful in the Illawarra and 
southern districts of New South Wales than in any other part of the country I have visited. I have 
seen specimens from the lakes and marshes in the southern parts of Victoria, near Ballarat, and have 
also noticed it on the Herbert river, in the Kockingham Bay district, where it is considered a rare 
bird, although that part of the country is admirably adapted for its habits, abounding in extensive 
swamps and lagoons. They are still found to be not rare within a few miles of Sydney ; but the 

Illawarra district is the great stronghold of this species. 

I have a note from Mr. A. G. Nicholls giving an account of the manner in which he was attacked 
by a pair of Bitterns whose nest he had unconsciously approached when eel-fishing one evening at 
Kaipara. The birds made determined thrusts at his face with their bills, ruffling up their feathers 
and quivering their wings in a state of the highest excitement ; and so persistent were they that he 
at length seized one of them by the head and despatched it. On examining the place he found two 
well-grown nestlings, whose safety had undoubtedly been the cause of this unusual exhibition of 
temper on the part of birds habitually shy and recluse. 

The Bittern breeds in swamps, forming its rude nest of raupo and other aquatic vegetation 
loosely placed together, and sometimes completely surrounded by water. The eggs are usually four 
in number, although Mr. French, who is an excellent observer, informs me that he once found a nest 
of five near the Kaiapoi river ; they are generally of an even or regular ovoido-elliptical form, 
measuring 2-1 inches in length by 1-5 in breadth, and of a uniform pale brownish-olive colour. 

A nest of this species in the Canterbury Museum is small, flat-topped, and rounded, with a 
diameter of about 9 inches and a depth of 3 inches. It is composed entirely of dry rushes and flags, 
and contains three eggs of a uniform delicate creamy stone-colour. There is a specimen of the egg, 
however, in the Museum, of a delicate dull green, and three others of a greenish-cream colour. The 
green tinge is no doubt more pronounced in the shell when fresh. 


Oedeb HEEODIONES.] 


[Fam. PLATALEIDiE. 


PLATALEA MELANOPH INCH A. 

(ROYAL SPOONBILL.) 


Platalea melanorhynchos, Eeich. Av. Syst. Nat. pi. Ixxxiv. Qrall. {ex A. B. Eeich. 1834). 
Platalea regia, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. part v. p. 106 (1837). 

Platalea latirostrum, Ellman, Zoologist, 1861, p. 7469. 

Platalea regia, Buller, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. ix. p. 337 (1877). 


Native name. — Kotuku-ngutupapa. 


Ad. omnino albus : occipite et nuch4 cristatis, plumis pendentibus ornatis : fronte, facie anteriore et gulte plumis 
antice nudis : macula supraoculari et alteiA frontali aurantiacis : pectore flavo lavato : iride rubra : rostro 
et pedibus nigris. 

Juv. similis adulto, pectore excepto, sed minime cristatus. 

Adult. The whole of the plumage pure white, with a wash of yellow on the breast. Irides red; on the bare 
crown and over each eye a crescentic mark of orange ; bill, bare membrane on the face, legs, and feet black. 
Total length 37 inches ; extent of wings 50-5 ; wing, from flexure, 15-5 ; tail 5 ; bill, along the ridge 8, 
along the edge of lower mandible 7‘5, width at base I'3, widest part 2'2, narrowest part '7 ; bare tibia 4 ; 
tarsus 5'5 ; longest toe and claw 4‘25. 

Obs. Some adult examples have no tinge of yellow on the breast. In the nuptial season both sexes are adorned 
with a full occipital crest of gracefully drooping plumes five inches in length. The young are entirely crestless. 

Me. Ellman, in 1861, reported that a Spoonbill was known to the Maoris residing at Castle Point 
under the above native name, signifying the “ White Heron with a flat bill,” and he proposed, but 
without sufficient authority, to give it a distinctive title as Platalea latirostrum. 

The Eoyal Spoonbill is tolerably common on the eastern and northern coasts of Australia and 
(according to Gould), although a very rare visitant, it has also been killed within the colony of New 
South Wales. The first authentic record of the occurrence of this fine bird in New Zealand was 
furnished by myself at a meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society on the 29th July, 1876, 
when I exhibited a fresh-skinned specimen and made some remarks upon it {1. c.). 

This bird, which I afterwards presented to the Colonial Museum, was obtained at Manawatu, 
and kindly forwarded to me by Mr. Charles Hulke, of Foxton, accompanied by the following interest- 
ing notes : — “ This Spoonbill was shot in April last, near the mouth of the Manawatu river, by 
Mr. Blake. It was sitting on the sand in company with three Paradise Ducks {Gasarca variegata). 
.... This bird had been seen for some five or six months about the lagoons in the vicinity of 
Mr. Eobinson’s homestead. By his sons it had been taken for a White Shag. Only one had been 
seen by them, but 1 have been informed by a person who is in the habit of crossing the country 
between Foxton and Eangitikei, that he is confident he has seen another specimen near the Eangitikei 
river. No other specimen was, however, seen in company with that sent herewith.” 


Order STEGANOPODES.j 


[Fam. PELECxiNID^. 


PHALACEOCOEAX NOViE HOLLANDS?. 

(BLACK SHAG.) 


Kew-Holland Shag, Lath. Gen. Hist. B. x. p. 431 (1824). 
Fhalacrocorax novce hollandm, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. p. 93 (1826). 
Phalacrocorax carhoides, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, p. 1 66. 

Graucalus carhoides. Gray, in DiefF. Trav. ii., App. p. 201 (1843). 
Gracalus carhoides. Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 20 (1844). 
Graculus carhoides. Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 251. 

Graculus carho, Finscb, J. f. O. 1870, p. 375. 

Graculus novm hollandice. Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 127 (1871). 


Native name. — Kawau. 


Ad. sordide indigotico-niger, nuch4 cristata, pileo summo et colli lateribus fasciis filamentosis parvis ornatis ; 
scapularibus cum tectricibus alarum et secundariis interioribus dare bronzino-brunneis, viridi-uigro 
marginatis : primariis nigricanti-bruuueis ; cauda nigra, supril vix cinerascente lavata : plag&, lata ab oculo 
postico et subter gulam conjunct^, albidfi, : corpore reliquo subtijs indigotico-nigro, viridi nitente, plaga 
hypochondriac^ maxima alba : rostro albido, cubnine et apice bruniiescentibus : plag4 ophthalmic^ guhiquc 
nudis Iffite flavis : pedibus nigris ; iride thalassino-viridi. 

Adult male. Upper part of the head, neck all round, back, rump, and all the under surface of the body shining 
greenish black ; shoulders, scapulars, and wing-coverts bronzy or coppery brown, broadly margined with 
shining greenish black ; a broad patch crossing the throat and connecting the eyes bufEy white, sometimes 
tinged with yellow ; on each thigh a large rounded spot of white, more or less conspicuous in different 
examples; quills and tail-feathers black. Irides sea-green; skin round the eyes and on the gular pouch 
rich yellow, and studded with short scattered feathers ; bill whitish horn-colour, shading into brown on the 
culmcn and towards the tips; legs and feet jet-black. Total length 34‘5 inches; wing, from flexure, 13‘5; 
tail 7 ; bill, along the ridge 2'75, along the edge of lower mandible 3'5 ; tarsus 2 ; longest toe and claw 3'75. 

Obs. In summer the male is adorned with numerous white linear feathers, scattered over the throat and neck, 
and extending about half an inch beyond the permanent feathers ; but these white plumes never assume the 
dense character exhibited in the summer plumage of P. carlo, in which these parts, as well as the crown, 
appear almost entirely white. The thigh-spot is present in summer and winter alike, but owing to the 
presence of long white filaments it is more conspicnous in the breeding-season. I have seen males without 
the thigh-spot, from whieh I eonclude that it is not acquired till after the first moult. The occipital feathers 
are somewhat produced, forming a very slight crest. 

In the middle of autumn I observed a piarty of five at the mouth of the Waikanae river, and in another 
locality seven, not one of them exhibiting the white thigh-spot, from which it may be inferred that the sexes 
separate themselves at this season. 

Female. Has the plumage generally duller and without the white thigh-spot ; crown of the head and neck all 
round blackish brown, minutely stippled or speckled with pale brown, particularly on the fore neck ; breast 
fulvous white mixed with brown, having an indeterminate appearance ; rest of the underparts and under 
surface of wings greenish black slightly glossed; quills and tail-feathers black with greyish shafts. Irides 
dull grey . Total length 32 inches ; extent of wings 48. 

VOL. II. 


U 


146 


Obs. In some examples (apparently very old birds) the white spreads over the abdomen. 

Young. Upper parts brown with a greenish gloss, deepening into greenish black on the lower part of back and 
rump ; mantle and wing-coverts dingy coppery brown with darker margins, the longer coverts tipped with 
creamy white ; throat pale buff j sides of the head, front and sides of the neck dark brown mottled with pale 
buff j centre of the breast and the abdomen yellowish white ; the sides of the body largely mottled with 
brown, varied more or less with greenish black ; quills and tail-feathers black. 

Nestling. The nestling attains to a considerable size before the downy covering makes its appearance. This is 
of a uniform sooty brown, and as the bird advances becomes thick and woolly. 

Albino. Among birds of this class it is a rare thing to find any conspicuous departure from the ordinary plumage. 
The following is the description of a fine albino obtained at Sumner, near Christchurch : — General upper 
surface dark cream-colour ; the crown, hind neck, lower part of back, and flanks stained and shaded with 
brown ; the scapulars and wing-coverts broadly margined with yellowish brown j sides of the head, throat, 
fore neck, and all the underparts pure white ■, the wing-feathers are yellowish white, more or less clouded 
and freckled with browm ; the old tail-feathers are yellowish white, the new ones ashy ; and interspersed 
w'ith the plumage of the upper parts there are numerous new feathers of a brownish ash-eolour with darker 
edges, thus indicating a transition to a darker state of plumage. The bare facial membrane is flesh-coloured, 
with an obsolete yellow spot in front of the eye ; bill black ; legs and feet dark brown. 

Note. In my “ Further Notes on the Ornithology of New Zealand,” read before the Wellington Philosophical 
Society on the 12th of November, 1870, and published in the ‘ Transactions of the New-Zealand Institute ’ 
(vol. iii. pp. 36-56), I stated my reasons for adopting the generic title of Phalacrocorax (Brisson) in pre- 
ference to Graculus ; and a further consideration of the question has only tended to confirm me in that 
decision. I have thought it right to make this statement, inasmuch as I find the latter name adhered to 
both in Dr. Finsch’s latest revision of the nomenclature in the ‘ Journal fur Ornithologie ^ (July 1872) and 
in Professor Hutton^s ‘ Catalogue.’ Not only is Phalacrocoraw the older title, and therefore entitled to 
recognition; but, as I have already pointed out {1. c.), there seems to be no finality about the other name. 
In Mr. G. E. Gray’s first list (App. to Dieff. N. Z. vol. ii. p. 201) it was written Graucalus, in his “ Birds 
of New Zealand ” (Voy. Ercb. and Terr. p. 20) it was changed to Gracalus ; and in his later list (Ibis, 1862) 
it became Graculus, a term originally applied specifically by Linnaeus to the Green Cormorant of Europe, 
Pelecanus graculus (Syst. Nat. vol. i. p. 217). 

1 STATED in my former edition of this work that, after comparing a large numher of specimens, I felt 
no hesitation in keeping this form distinct from the well-known Phalacrocorax carlo of Europe, 
althouo'h the two species were closely related and had doubtless sprung from a common ancestor. In 
thus separating it, I was supported by the late Mr. Gould, who had enjoyed frequent opportunities of 
investigating the subject in Australia and Tasmania, where this bird is very generally dispersed. The 
same view was taken by the late Mr. G. R. Gray in his latest arrangement of the group (Hand-list of 
Birds, 1871); and Mr. R. B. Sharpe afterwards adopted it in his classification of the specimens in the 
British Museum *. Dr. Finsch, on the other hand, adhered at that time to his opinion that the 
New-Zealand bird was not separable from the European form ; and I am not aware that he has since 
changed his views. Professor Hutton has declared himself of the same opinion. 

The Black Shag is very common on our coasts and Avithin the mouths of our tidal rivers. Along 
the ocean-beach it is generally dispersed singly or in pairs, but on the sand-banks it often congregates 

* Captain Mair states that this species is rarely seen in the Bay of Plenty. But he distinguishes from this what he terms 
the “ Large Brown Eiver Shag,” the Mapo or Matapo of the Maoris. He describes this bird as “ brown all over with a yellow 
tinge on the throat,” and says that it frequents lakes and the upper courses of rivers and is never met with on the sea-coast. A 
colony of them, numbering about a dozen individuals (exclusively of this kind), breed every year in a kahikatea forest near the 
shores of Lake Eotorua. 


147 


to the number of twenty or thirty. It walks with an awkward waddling gait, supporting itseli in 
part with its tail, which is moved alternately to tiie right and left at every step. It has a very fetid 
odour ; and a person approaching a flock of these birds on the leeward side is made sensible of this 
at a hundred yards or more. Its usual attitude on the beach is one of repose, with the body inclined 
forward, the tail resting at full length on the ground, and the head drawn in upon the shoulders. 
When disturbed, it instantly stretches up its neck, listens, and watches attentively for a short time, 
and then, after a few ungainly steps, shoots its white ordure along the sands, then rises into the aii 
with a laboured flapping of its wings, and flies off in the direction of the sea, into which it speedily 
plunges. For some yards’ length after rising it almost strikes the ground with the tips of its quill- 
feathers, and I am assured that it may easily be captured by a kangaroo-dog or greyhound before it 
fairly takes wing. When associated in pairs, they rise simultaneously and fly off in company. 
Sometimes a large flight of them may be observed high in the air, performing apparently a migratory 
passage, and deployed in the form of a wedge, like a flight of Swans. 

Like all the other members of the group, the Black Shag is an accomplished diver, and obtains 
all its food in this manner. Twenty-flve seconds appears to be the average duration of each dive, 
although the bird is capable of remaining under water for a much longer time. It is interesting to 
observe it facing a strong rolling surf and diving under the breakers to avoid their force. When 
swimming in smooth water, it sometimes amuses itself by slapping its broad wings upon the surface, 
producing a sound that may be heard to the distance of half a mile. It rises from the water with 
apparent difficulty, and till it is fairly in the air it continues to strike the surface violently with the 
tips of its wings ; this will doubtless account for the ragged appearance often presented by the ends 
of the primaries. It subsists on flsb of various kinds ; and I have observed one capture a good-sized 
flounder, and after killing it by nipping with its bill, and battering on the water, swallow it whole, 
the throat of this bird being capable of great expansion. 

There is an interesting mounted group in the Canterbury Museum, illustrating the gular 
capacity of this Shag. The principal figure is that of a bird holding in its bill a brown trout which 
had actually been taken from its throat when shot in the Avon river ; the fish measured 14|^ inches 
in length, with a girth of 7f, and weighed IJlb. 

A Canterbury sportsman records another instance of the kind as follows : — “ Some idea of the 
size of the fish a Shag can provide accommodation for will be gained when it is mentioned that a few 
days since one of a trio of Rangiora sportsmen out shooting at the Ashley river killed a bird of the 
species, which, on being picked up, dropped from its gullet an eel 21 in. long, and within an ounce 
or two of a pound in weight ” *. 

The stomach of another which I myself opened contained an eel 27 inches in length and measur 
ing 5 inches in circumference in its thickest part. 

On the occasion of a visit which I paid to Sir George Grey in his lovely island home at Kawau, 
he led me to a small promontory from which you look down upon a shell-beach of exquisite beauty, 
fringed to its very edge with pohutukawa trees covered with a mass of crimson flower. From this 
beach, for some fifty yards or more, the water is so shallow that the pebbly bottom is clearly visible, 
and Sir George told me that from this point of observation he has often watched this Shag in its 
fishing-operations coursing like a greyhound under the surface, and using its wings and tail as pro- 
pellers. He also told me an interesting story of one he obtained from the nest and succeeded in 


* The following appeared in one of the local newspapers : — “ Shags are stated to he more than usualty destructive to young 
fish in the TVairarapa district this year, and it would bo well if the local bodies offered a reward per head for each of these birds 
before they decimate the creeks of the valley. On Friday last, Mr. F. Liardet found a dead Shag on the beach with an eel in its 
beak. The fish, which was a very large one, had been partially swallowed, and the head being too large for the gullet had stuck 
in the Shag’s maw, through which it crawled. When found, the eel had formed a complete circle round the bird s beak. ’ 

u 2 


148 


rearing. Although allowed its freedom, it always remained in the neighbourhood, fishing in the little 
bays, resting and sunning its wings on the stone pier leading to the “great pro-consul’s ” residence, or 
on the rocks which bound the little cove ; and so tame did it become that whenever Sir George went 
out in his boat it followed him from place to place, and occasionally uttered a peculiar cry to attract 
attention. But one day it was missing, and on search being made the keeper found its dead body on 
the beach, but to all appearance uninjured. 

It is interesting to observe the readiness with which it dives under water for protection. On one 
occasion I was watching one of these birds fioating lazily on the surface in Porirua harbour. Some- 
thing in its appearance seemed to irritate a Red-billed Gull which, after coursing about overhead, 
made a swoop down upon the Shag. The latter bird, by an adroit movement, immediately disappeared 
under water and came up again some yards off *. 

It breeds in companies, and frequently in association with another species of Shag (P. hrevirostris), 
resorting for this purpose to the deep swamps in the vicinity of the sea-coast, and placing its rude 
nest on the “negro-heads” or swamp-tussocks, just above the surface of the water: this structure is 
often three feet in diameter, and is composed of raupo flags, dry leaves, and twigs roughly placed 
together, and rendered compact by the weight of the sitting bird. A nest in the Canterbury Museum 
is a massive bed of flax-leaves, toetoe, and dry grasses pressed together into a thick flat layer, 
measuring about 20 inches by 15 inches, with a thickness of 3 to 4 inches, and with a slight depression 
on the top. The eggs, which are usually three in number, are of a perfectly elliptical form, measuring 
2‘5 inches in length by I'6 in breadth, and are greenish white, with a thin covering of chalky matter. 

* “ The Battle op the Bieds.” — The foUowing is a translation of the Maori fahle, as related to me by a Ngatiawa chief. It 
is a fair specimen of this class of Maori fables, and is interesting as showing how many of the names of the birds are derived from 
their cries : — “The cause was an eel. The river Shag had a swamp of its own; the ocean Shag lived on the water. The two 
Shags contended about the respective merits of their feeding-grounds. The river Shag lived on eels, the sea Shag on snapper. The 
river Shag said to the other, ‘ Come along with me on shore and see what a fine feeding-ground I have.’ The sea Shag agreed, 
and they went together. The former, who was standing on a ‘ negro-head’ in the swamp, called to his visitor ‘ Now, dive ! ’ Down 
he went, and up he came again with an eel in his beak. ‘ Now, then, swallow it ! ’ Down went the slippery eel into the crop of 
its captor. ‘ Now, then, throw it up again ! ’ cried the river Shag, and up came the slippery eel from the depths of his captor’s 
throat. ‘ See,’ exclaimed the river Shag, ‘ that is the beauty of my food : you can do what you like with it.’ ‘ "Well, let us go to 
the sea,’ said the ocean Shag, ‘ and I will show you what we can do.’ Accordingly they went. ‘Now,’ said the ocean Shag, ‘ let 
mo see you dive.’ ‘ Not so,’ replied the river Shag, ‘ for I have come to see what food you can produce.’ So down the former 
went ; up he came with a snapper in his bill. ‘ Good ! ’ cried the river Shag ; ‘ now swallow it.’ Down it went, disappearing 
entirely in the stomach of the bird. ‘Now, then, throw it up again!’ He tried, but tried in vain. The sharp spines on the 
snapper’s back stuck fast in the Shag’s throat. The river Shag jeered at him, saying, ‘ Death lurks in the food you gather ; ’ and 
so it was, for the ocean Shag struggled till it died. This was the cause of the battle ; for the sea-birds had now discerned how 
superior was the food on shore, and were determined to make an invasion, so they collected all their forces for that purpose. 
yV hen the land-birds heard that their ocean brethren were contemplating a descent upon their feeding-grounds, they, too, began 
to collect their forces to oppose the intruders. The Huia was the bird who called the tribes together with his cry, htda-huia ! 
(assemble, assemble !). The one who kept the fighting-party on the, alert during the night was the Pipi-warauroa, his watchword 
being Jcoia-Jcoia-whitiora-wJiitiora-wJiUi-whitiora. This was a warning-cry to keep the party wakeful. The Tui did all the 
talking, urging them to be brave and big-hearted. The Owl was selected to offer the challenge, and he did the puhana (staring 
defiantly), and that is how his eyes are so large. The one who threw the last challenge-spear was the Tiwaiwaka. Having 
thrown the stick, he came dancing backwards, exposing his rear, first on one side, then on the other (just as you see the bird 
gesticulating, with its tail erect and spread, now-a-days). MTien the forces from the sea approached it was seen that the Ganuet 
was put forward to answer the challenge. And as the Gannet followed up the defiant Tiwaiwaka, the Oyster-catcher called out 
Iceria-ko'ia-keria rctwatia (follow him up to the end). And so ho did follow him up, and made a thrust forward with his bill, 
and thought he had speared his enemy, when, lo 1 his spear went through to the other side, for it was all tail ! The Pigeon then 
commenced to coo ; the Kaka cried arara-arara ; the Sea-Gull sounded his alarm of haro-haro. Then the two forces came into 
general conflict, and the tribes from the sea wore defeated and driven back. That is why they still remain there, whilst the 
land-birds enjoy their forests and swamps.” 



J-G-KeulEMANS DEL' S LITH , J U D 0 & C? Ll M IT E 0, I M P 


PIED SHAG. 

PHAL'ACROCOR A X VARIUS. 


EMPEROR 

PHALACROCOR A X 


SHAG. 

I M P E R I A L 1 S . 


(TWO-FIFTHS NATURAL SIZEj 





Order STEGANOPODES.] 


[Eam. PELECANID^. 


PHALACEOCOEAX VAEIUS. 

(PIED SHAG.) 


Pied Shag, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 605 (1785). 

Pelecanus varius, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 576 (1788). 

Carbo hypoleucus, Brandt, Bull. Acad. Imp. Petersb. i. p. 55 (1837). 
Phalacrocorax leucogaster, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, p. 156. 

Graucalus varius. Gray, in DiefF. Trav. ii., App. p. 201 (1843). 
Gracalus varius, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 19 (1844). 
Pelecanus fica, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 104 (1844). 

Phalacrocorax hypoleucus, Gould, B. of Austr. vii. pi. 68 (1848). 
Carbo fucosus, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp., Birds, p. 268 (1848). 
Hypoleucus varius, Beich. Syst. Av. p. vii (1852). 

Carbo leucogaster, Cass. U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 373 (1858). 

Graculus varius. Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 251. 

Graculus leucogaster. Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 128 (18^1). 


Native name. — Karuhiruhi. 


Ad. pileo colloque toto, dorso postico cum uropygio et supracaudalibus sordide indigotico-uigris ; interscapulio, 
scapularibus et tcctricibus alarum saturate cinerascentibus, plumis omnibus anguste viridi-nigro marginatis : 
remigibus bnmneis, cxtus cinerascentibus, secundariis interioribus cinerascentibus externe viridi-nigro 
marginatis : cauda nigr^ : loris nudis la;te aurantiacis : facie laterali totd et corpore subtus albis, pectoris 
lateribus et hypocbondriis imis tibiisque indigotico-nigris : subalaribus brunneis viridi lavatis ; rostro 
saturate corneo, versus apicem et ad basin mandibulte pallidiore : pedibus nigris : iride palbde thalassino- 
viridi : regione ophthalmicfi nud^ Isete indigotica : rnacum anteoculari aurantiac^ : gula flava, nuda. 

Juv. similis adulto, sed corpore subtus et collo laterali brunnescenti-nigro variis. 

Adult. Top of tbe head, back of the neck, lower part of back, rump, flanks, and thighs shining greenish black ; 
shoulders, mantle, scapulars, and upper wing-coverts deep bronzy grey, each feather bordered with velvety 
black ; quills and tail-feathers black, with polished shafts ; under surface of wings and axillary plumes black, 
slightly glossed with green; sides of face, throat, front and sides of neck, and all the under surface pure 
white Irides pale sea-green ; in the bare space in front of the eyes a bright yellow spot ; eyelids and naked 
skin below indi-o-blue ; gular membrane yellow; bill dark horn-colour or brownish yellow, paler at the tips 
and towards the base of lower mandible ; legs and feet black. Total length 33-5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 
12-25 ; tail 6 ; bill, along the ridge 3, along the edge of lower mandible 4 ; tarsus 2-5 ; longest toe and 

claw 4-25. 

Young. Differs from the adult in having the plumage duller, the feathers composing the mantle and the scapu- 
lars being narrowly margined with brown ; also in having the fore neck and underparts of the body irregularly 
spotted with blackish brown, this appearance being caused by the apical portion of some of the feathers 
being of that colour. In some instances the brown assumes the character of clouded markings over the 
entire under surface. 

Nestling^ Covered on the upper surface with thick sooty-brown down, and on the lower sides of the face, throat. 


150 


fore neckj and all the nnderparts with thick, cottony, white down ; hare space round the eyes and rictal 
membrane bright yellow. Bill dull yellow, veined with brown, which colour prevails on the culmcn ; legs 
and feet black. The newly-hatched chick, before the down appears, looks as if burnished with black-lead. 

Fledgling. The first plumage to appear is on the wings and that composing the mantle, these feathers being very 
acuminate in form, with a filamentous fringe, of a slaty-brown colour, very slightly glossed and narrowly 
margined with an edging of velvety brown ; also the t;iil-feathers and their upper coverts, which are black, 
the latter being glossed with green ; next the feathers of the underparts appear, coming up for the most part 
pure white, but with an admixture of brown as described above. 

Ohs. The sexes are precisely alike in plumage, hut differ slightly in size. 

The adult colours are acquired in the nest, hut undergo a subsequent change. The nestling has the 
upper parts covered with hlackish-brown down, which deepens into black on the hind neck, whilst the down 
covering the fore neck and all the underparts is pure white. But on the fledgling the colours arc not so 
well marked, the dark plumage of the upper surface being suffused with grey, and the white of the under- 
parts being lightly streaked and freckled all over with greyish brown. In addition to this the feathers have 
a frayed-out appearance. 

This species frequents the lakes and freshwater rivers, and is seldom met with on the sea-coast except 
during the breeding-season. In other respects its habits do not appear to differ in any material point 
from those of the preceding bird. Its usual station is a fallen tree or a stump projecting from the 
water ; and it may frequently be seen spreading its wings to the sun, and sometimes remaining in 
that position for a considerable time. 

It is far more plentiful on the shores of the North Island and particularly so in the provincial 
district of Auckland, becoming scarce in Hawke’s Bay, and very rare indeed south of Cook’s Strait. 

On the wing, its snow-white underparts gleaming in the sunshine, or artistically posed on some 
projecting stump near the river-bank, it is always a conspicuous object. 

They are very destructive to the introduced carp in the lakes and lagoons in the neighbourhood 
of Auckland. Their crops are often found completely crammed with them, and in one instance a 
carp measuring 10 inches in length was taken from a Pied Shag’s throat. From time to time the 
Acclimatization Society prosecutes an active crusade, but the Shags appear to be as plentiful as ever 
in all suitable localities. 

Sir J. von Haast writes : — “ They are capital fishers ; and one day I was witness how well they 
understood how to procure their food. It was near the spot where one of the northern spurs of 
Mount Murchison slopes down to the Buller, which here forms small falls and rapids. A Cormorant 
w’as standing on an isolated rock, round which the foaming waters dashed down ; and I Avas not a 
little surprised to see him jump down into the white foam. In the first instance I thought he would 
not get out again, but would be dashed to death by the whirling waters ; but soon he reappeared, 
swimming rapidly towards the edge, and then fiying on to his old observatory to continue his sport. 
It is probable that small fishes are taken down by the falls, and, being stunned by the force of the 
water, are easily caught by the courageous bird. This is a new proof that nature has given to every 
animal the requisite physical strength to contend with the elements in which it has to look for its 
subsistence.” 

This species nests in trees in the vicinity of water and always in communities. Far up the 
courses of the freshwater rivers, on a single tree overhanging the stream, five or six pairs may be found 
associated, their nests formed of twigs and other dry materials pressed into a compact structure and 
fixed firmly among the branches. Many such places are known to me, and one in particular, some 
fifty miles up the Wairoa river, north of Auckland, was occupied, within my own knowledge, for ten 
or twelve years in succession, in spite of repeated molestation by the natives. In other suitable 


151 


localities on the shores of large inland lakes, on wooded islands, or on the sea-shore much larger com- 
munities are often formed — sometimes as many as fifty or a hundred pairs — and a breeding-place of 
this kind once selected is seldom deserted. I visited one of these “ shaggeries ” on the Rurima rocks, 
off Whakatane, about the middle of January, just at the most interesting time, the young birds being 
then fledged and preparing to take their flight.' 

The Rurima rocks, which are situated about five miles from Whale Island and four from the 
mainland, consist of three small semi-conical hills, which have so far resisted the erosive or wasting 
forces of the ocean, two of them being connected together by a low-lying area of rock and sand-drift 
forming a sort of atoll. The detached one is known as Motoki, and this is one of the few last refuges 
of the expiring tuatara lizard, the wonderful Sphenodon punctatum. It is a long flat rock with a 
cone in the centre covered with beautiful pohutukawa trees [Metrosideros iomentosa). Around the 
base of this cone there is a dense growth of stunted angiangi {Coprosma lucida) looking very fresh 
and green. Among the rocks and in the burrows under the shade of this dense vegetation the 
tuatara may still be found in considerable numbers. Rurima proper is of similar formation, and the 
central cone is thickly covered with pohutukawa. On the side toward Whale Island the birds have 
established a shaggery of considerable extent. The trees on this side are whitened and leafless, being 
apparently killed by the excessive amount of ordure which covers them. As our boat approached we 
could see scores of the birds perched on the trees, above and around their nests, and scores more 
standing in ranks on the hard beach below. 

We found the Shags in great force, and it was most interesting to watch the operations of both 
old and young birds. There were perhaps 80 or 100 nests, many of which were vacant owing to the 
lateness of our visit, the breeding having commenced in October. The nests are large, round structures, 
composed, as already mentioned, of dry sticks and twigs and other loose matei’ials, bound together by 
means of a peculiar kind of kelp, for which the Shags may be observed diving in the sea, sometimes in 
four fathoms of water. They have a somewhat compact appearance and are usually placed in a thick 
fork among the branches or between two limbs of a tree lying close together. In each of those still 
tenanted there were two fully-fledged young birds ; and these youthful Shags kept up a constant 
“ squirling ” noise, accompanied by a perpetual swaying of the head from side to side, in an impatient 
sort of way. The old bird comes up from the sea with her gullet full of small fish, and takes up her 
station on a branch adjoining to or overlooking the nest. The young birds, alter craning their necks 
almost to dislocation, quit their nest and mount up alongside the parent, when the peculiar feeding- 
operation commences. The mother bends down her head in a loving way, opens wide her mandibles, 
and the young Shag, with an impatient guttural note, thrusts his head right down the parental 
throat and draws forth from the pouch, after much fumbling about, the first instalment of his 
dinner. No sooner has he swallowed this than he begins to coax for more, caressing the mother’s 
throat and neck with his bill in a very amusing fashion. The old bird waits till she has recovered 
the discomfort of the last feed, then opens her mouth again, and the action is repeated, first by one 
young Shag, then by the other. When the pouch is emptied, the mother spreads her ample wings and 
goes off for a fresh supply of auas, whilst her offspring shuffle themselves back again into their nest 
to await her return. But this feeding-process and the squirling cries which herald it are going on at 
the same time all over the camp, and as a consequence there is a perfect din of voices. In the midst 
of these may be heard deep guttural cries ; but these are probably the occasional scoldings of the old 
birds to repi'ess the inconsiderate eagerness of their young ones, for during the operation of feeding 
there is sometimes a good deal of apparent squabbling among the young fraternity for the first atten- 
tion, accompanied by a vigorous fluttering and flapping of the wings. In one of the nests, where the 
young birds were not sufficiently advanced to leave it, I observed that the occupants during the 
intervals when their parents were absent kept up an incessant flapping of their wings and swaying of 


152 


their long necks, first to one side then to the other, with a never-ceasing cry as if in great bodily 
distress. Poor little Shags ! 

This breeding-colony consisted exclusively of P. varius *. I noticed a single Spotted Shag 
(P. functatus) consorting with the fiock, but none of any other species. 

At a place called Whakarewha, near Matata on the East Coast, there is a colony of the Pied 
Shag where many hundreds of them breed together. The nests are crowded together on the branches 
of a clump of pohutukawa trees growing on the cliff; and at the commencement of the breeding- 
season, when the Shags assemble to refit their nests, the old birds may often be seen fighting fiercely 
for the possession of a dry stick or piece of seaweed, required for building-purposes, or endeavouring 
to dispossess each other of nests already made. Owing probably to the crowding, the young birds 
are not unfrequently knocked out of the nests, and numbers of dead ones are found lying on the 
beach at the base of the cliff. The Harrier {Circus goiUdi), attracted by these dead bodies, hovers 
about this breeding-place and makes an occasional attempt to carry off a young Shag from the nest 
by boldly attacking it ; whereupon numbers of the old birds sally forth with loud guttural cries and 
chase the intruder to a considerable distance. 

Captain Mair visited a similar shaggery on Whale Island, on the 10th November, and sent me 
the following report: “I found the young in every stage, from partly developed ones in the egg to 
young birds just ready for flight.” 

The eggs, which are elliptical in form, and greenish white, are generally two in number ; but 
there are sometimes three, and Mr. Eeischek informs me that he has occasionally found as many as 
four in one nest. 

* As far back as 1841 tbe Kev. Mr. Colenso wrote : — “ On a tall, branching pohutukawa tree {Metroskleros tomentosa), 
which grew on the rocky cliff at the northern end of the beach at Owae (a small village in Wangaruru Bay), I observed several 
Cormorants had built their nests. These birds had inhabited this tree for many years ; yearly increasing the number of their 
nests, which they build of dry Algce, sticks, and small plants. Their social habits and large nests forcibly reminded me of an 
English rookery. Two species inhabit these shores ; one, with entirely black plumage, which the natives call Kawau— the other 
with white fore neck, breast, and beUy, and olive-black neck, back, and wings, called by them Karuhiruhi ; this last is the 
most common.” 



Shag feeding young. 


Ordee STEGANOPODES.] 


[Pa3i. PELECANID^. 


PHALACEOCOEAX IMPEEIALIS. 

(EMPEROR SHAG.) 


Plialacrocorax imperialis. King, Proc. Tj. S. 1831, p. 30. 

Phalacrocorax cirrhatus, Scl. & Salv. Ibis, 1868, p. 189. 

Gracxilus carimculatus, Finsch, J. f. O. 1870, p. 375. 

Plialacrocorax carunculatus, Scl. & Salv. Ibis, 1870, p. 500. 

Plialacrocorax carunculatus, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st edit. p. 332 (1873), 
Graculus carunculatus, Sharpe, App. Voy. Ereb. and Terr. p. 34 (1875). 
Plialacrocorax imperialis, Scl. & Salv. Proc. Z. S. 1878, p, 652. 

Plialacrocorax cirrhatus, Hutton, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. xi. p. 336 (1879). 


Ad. pileo cristato cum collo postico, dorso postico, uropygio et supracaudalibus nitide purpurascentibus : inter- 
scapulio, scapularibus alarumque tectricibus sordidc olivaceo-viridibus, illo purpurasceute lavato, tectricibus 
alarum minimis interioribus albis, fasciam albam conspicuam formantibus : remigibus brunneis, secundariis 
olivaceo lavatis : caudd sordidb nigi4, rectricibus duabus centralibiis medialiter cano lavatis, scapis ad basin 
albis : facie et collo lateralibus purpurascenti-nigris pileo concoloribus : corpore reliquo subtus pure albo : 
hypoeliondriis imis purpurascenti-nigris : subalaribus brunneis : rostro saturate brunueo, ad apicem albido : 
pedibus pallide brunneis : iride pallide brunne4 : plaga nudA auteoculari pajjillosA aurantiaco-rubrA. 

Adult. Head, iucluding the erest, cheeks, hind part and sides of nock, back, rump, thighs, and upper tail- 
coverts dark purplish or steel-blue Avith a beautiful gloss j shoulders and scapulars dull shining olive-green, 
the feathers of the former with burnished edges ; upper wing-coverts dull olive-green, washed more or less 
Avith purplish or steel-blue, the middle ones largely tipped with white, forming a conspieuous alar bar ; 
on the hack a square patch of white (which is not always present, being probably characteristic of the 
breeding-season) ; throat, fore neck, and all the under surface of the body pure white ; Aving-feathers blackish 
broAvn ; the seeondaries Avashed Avith olive ; under surface of wings dusky black ; tail-feathers dull black, the 
two middle ones inclining to grey, and all having the shafts wliite at the base. Irides light brown ; papillm 
in front of the eyes and hare skin at the base of loAver mandible orange-red ; bill dark brown, Avbitish at the 
tips; legs and feet pale broAvn. Total length 26 inches; AA-ing, from flexure, 10' 75 ; tail 5; bill, along the 
ridge 2"25, along the edge of lower mandible 3 ; tarsus 2’25 ; longest toe and claw 4’25. 

Young. There is a specimen in the Otago Museum obtained from the Chatham Islands (marked s ) Avhich is 
apparently in an immature state ; dorsal patch broken aird mixed with brown; alar bar much narroAver than 
in the adult bird and likewise intermixed with brown feathers, the white ones appearing to be neAV plumage ; 
general gloss on the upper parts less pronounced ; lower back and rump glossed with steel-blue, instead of 
green as in the adult ; there is likeAvise a blue gloss intermixed with the green on the head and hind neck. 
There are some old and dingy brown feathers on the mantle, from which it may be inferred that the plumage 
described above exhibits a ehange from a still more youthful state. 

06s. The above description and the accompanying figure are taken from a fine male bird obtained by Mr. Henry 
Travers at the Chatham Islands in August 1871. The eolours of the soft parts were carefully noted by him 
Avhile the speeimeu was fresh. 


Under the head of Plialacrocorax imperialis. King, Dr. Sclater writes (‘ Voyage of Challenger,’ Zool. 
vol. ii. Birds, p. 121): — “ This Cormorant, which has been usually united to Plialacrocorax carunculatus 
VOL. II. ^ 


154 


of New Zealand, appears to be quite distinct. It has a broad white patch on the middle of the back in 
the adult plumage, no crest, and the white extending over the cheeks up to the naked skin round the 
eye. It has a broad white bar on the upper wing-coverts.” He then gives a coloured figure of the 
bird which he takes to be Phalacrocorax im^erialis, and formulates the following synopsis of the 
group : — 

a. Dorsi postici fascia alba : crista nulla . . . . 1. imperialis. 

b. Dorsi fascia nulla ; 

Crista nulla 2. verrucosus. 

V C ' t t’ -< nuda 3. albiventris. 

1 Guise liiiea media plumosa ... 4. carunculatus. 

1 am sorry to differ from so expert an ornithologist, but I cannot follow Dr. Sclater in this 
identification. He makes the absence of a crest and the presence of the dorsal patch of white the 
distinguishing characters of Phalacrocorax imperialis, but on turning to Captain King’s original 
description (^. c.) I find that his bird is a crested one. His description is as follows : 

Phol. capite cristato, collo posteriori, corporeque supra intense purpurcis : alis scapularibusque viridi-atris : 
remigibus rectricibusque duodecim fusco-atris : corpore subtiis, fascia alarum, macuiaque dorsi medii sericeo-albis : 
rostro nigro : pedibus flavescentibus. 

From this it is evident that the ‘ Challenger ’ specimen figured and described by Sclater is not the 
bird to which King gave the name of imperialis, unless we suppose that it sometimes acquires a crest; 
but Dr. Sclater himself calls it, by way of distinction, the uncrested form. Nor does the formula h 
fit P. carunculatus, which, as I shall show when treating of that species, is never crested, whilst it 
does exhibit, in the breeding-plumage, the patch of white on the back. It is perfectly clear also that 
the crested Chatham-Island form, of which I have given a figure, is distinct from the uncrested 
P. carunculatus. It cannot he P. cirrhatus of Gmelin, because his bird is larger than P. carunculatus, 
whilst this is decidedly smaller. 

After a careful investigation of the subject, and a comparison of all the specimens within my 
reach, I have decided to treat the crested bird from the Chatham Islands as the true Phalacrocorax 
imperialis, and the uncrested New-Zealand form as Gmelin’s P. carunculatus. It would perhaps be 
safer to give to this form a new distinctive title ; but I am unwilling to add another name to the 
already somewhat tangled synonymy of this species and its allies. I am aware that it is “ a long cry ” 
from the Straits of Magellan to the Chatham Islands ; but experience teaches us that it is impos- 
sible to lay down any strict geographical rules of distribution for birds of this class. As a case in 
point, I may mention an occurrence reported to me by Sir James Hector:—” When 100 miles off the 
Horn, a specimen of the White-throated Shag {Phalacrocorax irevirostris) flew on board our ship ” ! 

Even in the countries which these birds inhabit their distribution is often very eccentric and 
unaccountable, lake, for example, P. punctatus, a species which is extremely common on the coast 
of the South Island, but is rarely met with north of Cook’s Strait. Mr. Adams, late taxidermist to the 
Auckland Museum, informed me that he found a colony of these birds on the coast near Waiheke 
and shot six of them. To my great surprise I saw one in the Taupo Lake in March 1877 ; in July 
1883 I saw a flight of six in the Hauraki Gulf; and in January 1886 I found a solitary pair 
breeding in the midst of hundreds of the Pied Shag on some pohutukawa trees on the Kurima 

rocks, in the Bay ot Plenty. Referring to the same species, Mr. T. W. Kirk says (Ibis, 1888, p. 44) • 

“ I was lately informed by Mr. J. C. M‘Lean that a colony of fifteen or sixteen of these birds has for 
more than five years been established on a reef inside Cape Kidnappers. The latter o-entleman 
states that he has collected the eggs, but never found more than two in a nest. In December 1885 
there were five nests (composed of seaweed), placed at equal distances apart, along the ledo-e which 
runs on one side of the rock about three feet from the top.” 


Oedee STEGANOPODES.] 


[Eam. PELECAI^ID^. 


PHALACEOCOEAX C AEUNCUL ATU S. 

(ROUGH-FACED SHAG.) 


Carunculated Shag, Lath. Gen. Syn. hi. pt. 2, p. 603 (1785). 

Pelecanus carunculaius, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 576 (1788, ex Lath.). 

Carbo gmrpurascens, Brandt, Bull. Sci. Acad. Imp. Petersb. iii. p. 56 (1831). 
Leucocarho carunciilatus, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 176 (1857). 

Leucocarbo purimrascens, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 177 (1857). 


Ad. similis P. imperiali, sed conspicu^ major : fronte plus minusve carunculata : crista abseute : dorso postico fascia 
alba ornato : caruiicidis rubris : regione ophthalmica nuda cyanescenti-purpurea : pedibus flavescenti-bruuneis. 

Adult male. Similar to P. imperialis, but considerably larger and wanting tbe crest ; it is furthermore distinguish- 
able by the two large square spots of white which cross the back under the wings, by the larger extent of 
the white alar bar, and by a patch of white on the outer scapulars. The rows of papill* along the forehead 
are red, and the naked space around the eyes bluish purple j feet yellowish brown. Total length 33 inches ; 
wing, from flexure, 12‘5 ; tail 5'7o ; bill, following the curvature 3, along edge of lower mandible 3'7o ; 
tarsus 3 ; longest toe and claw 5. 

Female. The sexes are exactly alike in plumage, the fine metallic tints being as bright in the female as in the 
male. The former is, however, somewhat smaller in size : — Extreme length 37'5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 
11-75; tail 5-5 j bill, along the ridge 2-75, along the edge of lower mandible 3-5 ; tarsus 2-25; longest 
toe and claw 4-5. 

Young. General upper surface dull greenish black, with a slight gloss in certain lights, the feathers on the 
shoulders margined with a darker shade ; the whole of tbe wing-coverts and the outer scapulars greyish 
brown with whitish margins ; tail-feathers greyish black, witb whitish shafts and margins. 

Fledgling. The larger wing-coverts and the rectrices are the first to make their appearance, the former having 
the acuminate shape peculiar to young birds, with filamentous tips. In the downy state of P. varius, as 
already stated, the distribution of colours is the same as in the adult, the whole of the fore neck and under- 
parts being white ; and when this is succeeded by the covering of feathers some spotted brown markings, 
more or less distinct, present themselves but disappear altogether with the first moult. In this species, on 
the contrary, the downy condition is dark, and is immediately succeeded by the pure white plumage. A 
specimen in Mr. Silver’s collection has the head and the whole of the neck still clothed in sooty-brown down, 
sprinkled with a few white filaments ; the breast and all the under surface white, with vestiges of brown 
down still adhering to the feathers; the triangular rictal spot much darker but still visible; legs and feet 
reddish brown. 

Nestling. Covered with blackish brown down, very thick and even. No papill® on the forehead ; lores and 
bare space surrounding the eyes and encircling the bill black. Upper mandible dark brown ; lower mandible 
pure white, changing to brown at the tip ; irides and feet blackish brown, with whitish claws. Down the 
middle line of the abdomen there is a narrow bare space, flesh- white, paddle-shaped, and about two inches 
long. 

Obs. A specimen in the Otago Museum, from Shag river, has a very broad white patch on the wings, 
measuring 6 inches long by 3 in width. The colours of the soft parts as restored are : — Line of pajiillse 
fringing the forehead red ; bare facial membrane blue; gular sacred. This bird has a broad white patch 

X 2 


156 


-across the back 3 inches in extent hy nearly 2 in width. The crown, sides of the head, and hind neck are 
beautifully glossed with purplish green, and less so on the back, rump, and upper tail-coverts. 

There is a specimen in the British Museum (brought by the Antarctic Expedition from New Zealand) 
marked “ young ” ; and the presence of numerous scattered brown feathers on the abdomen and sides of the 
body attest the fact. In this bird the white of the fore neck, instead of running up in a narrow strip to the 
chin, spreads outwards immediately under the cheeks, and covers the sides of the neck. There is no white 
alar bar, nor is there any appearance of the white dorsal patch. 

Note. A Shag in the Otago Museum from Macquarie Island (marked (J), collected by Dr. Scott in December 
1880, differs from ordinary examples of P. carunculatus in these respects : — It is a smaller bird j the gloss 
on the head, hind neck, back, and rump is metallic blue instead of green ; on the wings it ehanges to dull 
green ; there is an entire absence of the white dorsal patch ; the alar bar or strip is much less conspicuous, 
being scarcely more than half an inch wide in any part, and only about 3'5 in longitudinal extent ; instead 
of the narrow frontal line of papillae there are two warty patches, more deserving the designation of caruncles 
(each measuring an inch in extent with a maximum breadth of '4 of an inch) , which meet at the base of 
the bill and cover the anterior part of the forehead. This bird has likewise a small or scant vertical crest, 
composed of narrow linear feathers of the same colour as the surrounding plumage, and an inch and a half 
long. The caruncles appear to have been originally orange, and the bare membrane on the face bluish. It 
appears to come very near to P. verrucosus, but is separated by the white transalar bar. 

To the same species doubtless belongs a Shag recently received at the Otago Museum, of which Prof. 
Parker has kindly sent me the following note ; — “ A Phalacrocorax, shot at Otago heads, which does not 
correspond with any of the species in your ‘ Manual.' The following are its chief characters : — Above blue- 
black ; below, oblong patch (4 inches by 2 inches) on upper side of wing, and squarish patch (2^ inches by 
2 inches) in middle of back between bases of wings, white ; no white feathers over eye ■, large orange wattle 
on each side of base of lower mandible, the two separated by a narrow white streak ; small orange patch on 
each side at base of upper mandible ; blue ring round eyes ; legs orange." 

1:^ his ‘Eeport on the 'Birds of the Challenger Expedition’ (Zool. ii. p. 121), Dr. Sclater says: — 
Professor Hutton has lately written an article on PhalaGrocorax carunculatus of New Zealand 
(commonly so called), in which, after a review of the literature of this subject, he points out the 
•differences between the birds of New Zealand and the Falklands, and proposes to call the former 
'cirrhatus (Gm.), and the latter carunculatus (Gm.). To follow this course would, in my opinion, 
only add further to the confusion, the names cirrhatus and carunculatus having been long considered 
synonymous. Professor Hutfon is likewise unaware that the next following species of Kerguelen 
Island [P. verrucosus) is distinct *, and unites it to his Phalacrocorax carunculatus!' 

But the question still remains, What is the true Phalacrocorax carunculatus 1 
Latham’s original description {1. c!) is as follows : — “ Sides of the head bare of feathers ; between 
the bill and eye much carunculated and red the rest of the space round the eye ash-colour ; the 

* Phalaceocoeax veeeecosus, Cab. Journ. f. Orn. 1875, p. 450. — Referriug to a specimen brought by Dr. Kidder from 
Kerguelen Islaud, Coues says (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. 1875, no. ii. p. 7) : — “ I have no hesitation in identifying this species as 
above {%. e. P. carunculatus), although the single adult specimen collected does not show the white transalar fascia spoken of by 
authors. Schlegel, however, quotes it from the present locality. The caruncles, which are conspicuous features of the adult 
breeding-bird, constitute two prominent yellow masses symmetrically disposed on the naked forehead at each side of the base of 
the upper mandible. The head and neck are lustrous, deep steel-blue, with purplish and violet reflections, contrasting notably 
with the rich dark-green back, the colour of which is uniform, the feathers having no differently coloured edges. The entire 
underparts, from the bill, on a line along each side of the neck, are pure white.” He adds : — “ During the breeding-season the 
bird carries an erectile crest of about a dozen small plumes upon the top of the head.” 

Dr. Sclater writes (J. c. p. 122) : — “ The series of this Shag is quite sufficient to warrant us in adhering to the species as 
distinct. The principal characters are clearly pointed out by Dr. Cabanis in his original description ; and a good figure is given 
of the adult male under the reference given above. Not one of the six specimens, of which two, and apparently a third, are 
adult, shows any traces of the white lino along the upper wing-coverts, or of the white spot in the middle of the back which 
distinguish Phalacrocorax imperialist 


157 


orbits of a fine mazarine blue, and elevated ; and over the eye is a tubercle larger than the rest. He 
does not say it is crested, but that “ the crown is rather full of feathers.” The colour he describes as 
follows : — “ The top of the head, and sides of it, the hind part of the neck and all the upper parts 
of the body, the wings and tail, are black, except a longish patch of white on the wing-coverts ; the 
forehead, chin, and all beneath, white ; the legs are flesh-colour, or very pale brown.” 

He distinguishes this bird as the Carunculated Shag, and says that it inhabits New Zealand (as 
well as South America), being “found in Queen Cliarlotte Sound but not in plenty.” 

The reference in this description to white on the forehead is a little puzzling, but may perhaps 
be accounted for by the fact that in the breeding-plumage these birds sometimes exhibit some white 
linear feathers above the lores ; and Prof. Parker’s bird, described on page 156, has carunculated 
patches “ separated by a narrow white streak,” which may be a seasonal character. 

There can, however, be no reasonable doubt that tbe bird here described is the same as that now 
inhabiting Queen Charlotte Sound, and although the specific name may not seem the most appropriate 
there can be no possible excuse for disturbing it. Although, as a rule, the so-called caruncles 
are mere papillse, it will be seen from the descriptions given on the preceding page that examples 
sometimes occur (if they are indeed referable to this species) in which the caruncles and wattles are 
quite a conspicuous feature. Even Latham, in describing the species, mentions that “ over the eye is 
a tubercle larger than the rest.” 

There is no mention in the original description of the conspicuous white patch on the back ; 
but I attach no importance to that, because (as Dr. Sclater has already suggested) this may be a 
character peculiar to the breeding-season. “ On two skins from Chiloe in the collection of Salvin and 
Godman, one has the white dorsal patch broader and more distinct than in the ‘ Challenger ’ specimen, 
in the other it is altogether absent.” 

But Latbam described at the same time another species, under the name of the Tufted Shag 
(afterwards Pelecanus cirrhatus of Gmelin), a specimen of which, then in the Hunterian Museum, is 
said also to have come from Queen Charlotte Sound. 

I think, however, with Dr. Finsch, that there is a mistake in the locality, and that the true 
habitat of Gmelin’s Phalacrocorax cirrhatus was Magellan Straits. 

Dr. Sclater deprecates separating this name from carunculatus because they have so long been 
regarded as synonymous ; but it must be clear from what I have said that Latham’s two descriptions 
of a crested and uncrested bird could not have related to one and the same species. His description of 
the Tufted Shag is as follows : — “ Length 2 feet 10 inches. Bill 2^ inches long. Colour dusky yellow ; 
round the eye bare ; the head and sides above the eye, the hind part of the neck, and all the upper 
parts of the body, wings and tail black ; the feathers on the top of the head very long, forming a 
pointed upright tuft or crest, somewhat tending forwards ; on the wing-coverts is an oblong patch of 
white ; and the underparts, from chin to vent, are also white ; the tail is inches in length, rounded 
in shape and composed of fourteen feathers ; the legs pale yellow-brown.” 

Dr. Finsch says that “ Phalacrocorax carunculatus may be easily distinguished from P. cirrhatus, 
Gmelin, from Magellan Straits, in having the sides of the head and neck dark, and by having a 
feathered stripe along the naked gular and chin-regions, which parts are totally naked in cirrhatus.” 

Professor Hutton has given (Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. xi. pp. 332-337) an excellent history of the 
nomenclature of Phalacrocorax cirrhatus and P. carunculatus. He sums up the results of his investi- 
gation as follows: — “Dr. Kidder gives the length of a Kerguelen’s Land bird at 23 J inches ; the 
specimen in the Otago Museum is rather larger. Dr. Buller gives the length of birds from New 
Zealand as 32 inches, and of birds from the Chatham Islands at 27 inches. The Chatham-Island 
birds are evidently smaller than those from New Zealand, but neither Latham, Gmelin, Brandt, nor 
Bonaparte had seen birds from the Chatham Islands. Brandt or Bonaparte appear to be the first to 


158 


state that both species came from South America, and when Dr. Finsch had to transfer one back ao-ain 
to New Zealand, he took carunculatus. The evidence is, however, I think, in favour of the New- 
Zealand bird being cirrhatus ; but as the Magellan Straits bird truly merits the name of carunculatus 
while the New-Zealand bird does not, I think it would be better to change Dr. Finsch’s nomenclature.” 

On one point, however, there is still some difficulty ; for Professor Hutton says {1. c. p. 335) 

“ Gmelin was the first to name the birds, and he gave the name carunculatus to the smaller carun- 
culated bird without a crest, and cirrhatus to the larger and crested bird. Gmelin says that both 
birds came from New Zealand only ; but he took his birds from Latham, and Latham says that 
cirrhatus occurs in New Zealand only, while carunculatus is rare in New Zealand, and common in 
South America. The smaller size, the caruncles, and the locality, would all point to carunculatus as 
the South-American bird ; but, on the other hand, the New-Zealand bird appears never to get a 
crest .... The statement that the Chatham-Island birds are crested, while the New-Zealand birds 
are not, must be taken with caution. I have certainly never seen a crested bird from New Zealand 
myself, but they are very rare, and I have not seen many; and F. cirrhatus appears to have been 
founded on a crested bird from New Zealand ; consequently the question as to the crest must be 
considered as unsettled. However, it appears that the Chatham-Island birds are decidedly smaller 
than those from New Zealand.” 

In a paper which I communicated to the Wellington Philosophical Society in November 1876 * 
I gave a table of measurements showing a considerable difference in size between the Chatham-Island 
bird figured in my former edition under the name of Phalacrocorax carunculatus, and a series of 
specimens (male, female, and young) which I had received from Queen Charlotte Sound, all of 
which were without a crest, and I added the following remarks : — 

Ml. Henry 1 ravers (who collected the birds now exhibited) assures me that these characters 
are constant. He met with P. carunculatus f in large numbers at the Chatham Islands, and there 
was always a crest, or some indications of it, in both sexes. The other bird he found nesting on the 
White Eocks in Queen Charlotte Sound ; and although it was the height of the breeding-season, in a 
colony of some forty or fifty nests, with birds of both sexes and of all ages frequenting them, he did 
not observe a single example with a crest, or anything approaching it. 

On comparing the heads it would be seen that the bill is much larger and stronger in one than 
in the other ; and although the colours of the soft parts are no safe criterion in dried specimens, it 
would appear that the naked spaces which in P. carunculatus are orange-red, are of a bluish colour 
in the other bird, with the exception of the patch of papillse extending from the base of the upper 
mandible towards the crown. 

“ The general style of colouring is the same in the two birds, although the tints altogether are 
duller in the uncrested form. There is the same conspicuous alar bar of white, formed by the middle 
wing-coverts ; but in addition to this the uncrested bird has a patch of the same on the outer scapulars. 
All the specimens of the latter which I have examined have two closely approximating spots of white, 
nearly of the size of a crown-piece, about the centre of the back.” 

In a letter which I received from Mr. Travers after coming to England (dated 3rd May), he 
says . I have just procured from Queen Charlotte Sound a number of these Shags in fine condition 
and a few in immature plumage (in all, about twenty specimens). None of the old birds show any 
sign of a crest.” ^ 

It is evident from the date of the letter that these last-mentioned specimens were collected in 
winter ; so that the evidence as to the absence of a crest is not so conclusive as in the former case for 
it might be fairly argued that it would be assumed only in the nuptial season. 

* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. ix. p. 339. 
t Phalacrocorax im^perialis of the present edition. 


159 


On the other hand, Mr. Liardet, of Wellington, who has shot these birds at Queen Charlotte 
Sound at all seasons of the j ear for the purpose of couverting their beautiful skins into ladies’ muffs, 
assures me that he has never seen a crested one. The three specimens which I purchased from him 
(all of them apparently in bright summer plumage) were certainly without the slightest indication of 
a crest or occipital tuft of any kind. 

Of the Kerguelen-Island bird Dr. Kidder gives the following account (Bulletin of the U.S. 
National Museum, 1875): — “Only a single adult skin of this Cormorant was preserved and brought 
home, a female in nuptial plumage. There is no better reason, I am afraid, for this omission than 
the fact that the birds were exceedingly plentiful, and the preparation of the skins a very tedious 
job, so that it was put off from day to day for rarer specimens, until, in the haste of an unexpectedly 
hurried departure, it was omitted altogether. From memory I can only say that the young birds were 
of much more sober plumage than the females, destitute of the crest and brilliant blue eyelid, and 
generally rather smaller. All had white breasts and bellies ; but there were many minor variations 

in plumage, which I suppose went to indicate differences in age They do not differ materially 

in habits from other species of Cormorant, diving and swimming well, feeding entirely on fish, and 
often congregating for hours upon a projecting rock or headland, where, in pairing-time, they enact 
various absurd performances, billing and curvetting about one another in a very ridiculous manner. 
The note is a harsh croak, which never varies, so far as 1 have observed. They seem to be on parti- 
cularly good terms with the Chionis, and are often joined by Gulls when sunning themselves. They 
build upon shelves, for the most part in the precipitous faces of cliffs overlooking the water, the base 
of the nest being raised sometimes as much as 2 feet, and composed of mingled mud and excrement. 
Upon this pedestal is constructed a rather artistic nest of long blades of grass. Apparently they con- 
tinue to use the old nests year after year, adding a new layer each season, and thus building the nest 
up. The first eggs were found November 5th, there being sometimes two and sometimes three in a 
nest. They were procured at first by the kind assistance of Mr. Stanley, and a length of rope which 
tied us together, one end being knotted round the waist of each. One would then remain above and 
hold on, while the other clambered a little way down the face of the cliff and secured the eggs. After 
a time, however, I discovered a lot of nests, near a ‘ rookery ’ of Kock-hopper Penguins, accessible from 
below, where (on December 4th) the young birds were first observed. Eggs green, with white chalky 
incrustation. The young are most ridiculous-looking objects, being pot-bellied, naked, and perfectly 
black, and seem to be less advanced in development at the time of hatching than most birds, the bones 
of the tarsus and foot being not yet ossified. Small fish were generally lying by the nests. The old 
birds were very solicitous about their young, hissing and stretching out their necks, and refusing to 
leave their nests until pushed off. Yet, when I took one of the young away from the nest, and placed 
it close by on the rock, the mother seemed neither to recognize its constant chirping nor to be aware 
that one of her brood was missing. Certainly she paid no attention to it.” 

I am indebted to Mr. Percy Seymour for the following notes on the breeding-habits of this and a 
closely-allied species : — 

“ Fhalacrocorax cirrhatus * and P. clialconotus . — A large colony of these two species in company 
have built on a terrace at the foot of a small cliff on Otago Peninsula. The nests and eggs of the two 
species can only be distinguished by observing the birds sitting on the nests. The latter are con- 
structed of tussock-grass, but the outside of the nest soon becomes plastered over with the excrement 
of the old and young birds. This hardens into a substance resembling stucco, which protects the nests 
against the destructive influence of the weather, and gives them the appearance of having been con- 
structed of clay. By the accumulated layers of successive seasons, the nests are raised in some cases 


* Fhalacrocorax carunculatus of the present edition. 


160 


to as much as 18 inches above the surface of the rock. The diameter varies from 18 to 24 inches. 
The birds did not all commence laying at the same time, as nests in process of construction were found 
at the same time with others containing young birds. The number of eggs or of young birds is usually 
three. The eggs vary in size, but are all of the usual Cormorant type, being bluish white, covered 
with a chalky incrustation. 

“ I noticed three variations in the colour of the birds which I have spoken of as P. cirrhatus : — 

“ {a) Black, with following parts white ; throat, breast, abdomen, conspicuous alar bar, and large double 
spot on the hack. Nearly all the birds were of this type. 

“ {b) Like a in every respeet, except that the alar bar was not nearly so conspicuous, and that there was no 
visible spot on the back. There were only two or three of these. 

(c) Black, with only the abdomen and beneath the wings white. I saw only one, I think, of this description. 
When sitting, it exactly resembled P. chalconotus (from a little distance), as the white parts were then 
covered. It sat on a nest and extended its neck, with mouth open, when approached by other birds, 
but I did not see it receive any food. I suppose it to be a young bird. It could fly as well as the 
adult birds. 

“All three of the birds described were without visible crest. Their feet appeared, from a 
distance of a few yards, to be reddish or brownish. 

“ I did not succeed in conveying home any young birds except about half a dozen very small 
ones. Some of these had a little down on them and the rest were perfectly bare, their skin resembling 
in appearance black kid gloves. They were just hatched. I have put them into spirits instead of 
skinning them. Some of them I carefully identified as belonging to P. cirrhatus *, but I could 
not see the slightest difference between the young of the two species at that stage. In the case of 
the older birds, there is white down on the underparts of one and not of the others, so I suppose 
that one is certainly P. cirrhatus. There were plenty of larger young birds, but they flopped about 
in the dirt and made themselves in a frightful mess. As the road was very rough and we had a 
heavy load to carry I did not take them. A resident near the spot has promised to send me some if 
there is another batch of eggs and young ones this season.” 

In November 1886 Captain Fairchild visited a nesting-place of this species on the White Kocks 
near the entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound. The birds were breeding in a colony by themselves, 
all the surrounding rocks being occupied by the Black Shag (P. novae hollandim). They were nesting 
on the bare rocks, whereas the latter species had formed large nests of leaves and seaweed, but had 
not yet commenced to lay. Many of the young birds on the White Bocks were of full size, but still 
covered with down. Captain Fairchild brought a number of them, of different ages, to Wellington, 
and I was thus afforded an opportunity of describing the nestling. The more advanced birds were 
continually fighting or squabbling, with loud cries of craao-craao-craao. The cry of the younger 
ones was Icek-keJc-keJc. 

Dr. Sclater writes (Voy. Chalk, Zool. vol. ii. Birds, p. 121: — “ All Dr. Cunningham’s examples 
(Mus. Cantab.), which we called Phalacrocorax carunculatus in our reports on his collection (Ibis, 
1870, p. 500, et aliter), appear to be referable to Phalacrocorax alhiventrts, of which the range is 
thus extended to the Magellan Straits.” 


* Phalacrocorax carunculatus of this edition. 


Order STEGANOPODES.] 


[Fam. PELECANID^. 


PHALACEOCORAX COLENSOL 

(AUCKLAND-ISLAND SHAG.) 


Ad. similis P. carunculato, sed conspicue minor ; hand caruncnlatus : dorso postico minime plaga albi notato. 

Adult. Cro-wn of the head, shoulders, feathers composing the mantle, wing-eoverts, and scapulars hronzy brown, 
with a green gloss in certain lights ; hind part and sides of neck, lower portion of hack, rump, and thighs 
blue-black with a fine metallic gloss ; the median wing-coverts white, forming a broad alar bar extending 
nearly the whole length of the cubitus ; a line from the chin, widening into a broad stripe down the fore 
neck, and the whole of the nnderparts pure white ■, quills and tail-feathers and the under surface of wings 
blackish brown ; bill yellowish brown ; legs and feet orange-yellow. Extreme length 28 inches ; wing, from 
flexure, 10'5 j tail 6 ; bill, along the ridge 2-5, along the edge of lower mandible 3; tarsus 2 ; longest toe 
and claw 4'25. 

Young. Differs from the adult in having the w'hole of the upper parts blackish brown, glossed with green only 
on the mantle, lower part of back, and rump, the blue metallic gloss being entirely w^anting ; the crown of 
the head, back and sides of the neck, interscapular region, and upper surface of wings paler brown ; the 
median wing-coverts and the scapulars fading to brownish white at the tips, but without any appearance of 
an alar bar ; remiges and tail-feathers dark brown, the latter largely margined on both webs with brownish 
white ; the streak of white down the fore neck interrupted in its middle portion by the dark colour which 
spreads across in a cloudy pale brown wash. Bill dark yellow, brownish on the ridge ; legs and feet dull 
orange. 

Ohs. It is clear that the states of plumage are as described, because my adult bird betrays vestiges of the adole- 
scent garb in the wings and tail, the moult not having been quite completed. 


This Shag is readily distinguishable from P. caruncnlatus by its much smaller size, by its smooth face, 
and- by the absence of the white dorsal marks. It has less of the green metallic gloss on the head 
and neck, the green on the mantle is duller, and the back, rump, and thighs are decidedly bluer than 
in the last-named species. In P. caruncnlatus the pointed stripe of white feathers between the crura 
of the low'er mandible widens rapidly on the throat and fore neck, occupying a larger surface than the 
dark plumage before reaching the breast ; in the present species it presents only a broad stripe down 
the centre of the fore neck, Avhich spreads out abruptly just above the breast. The white alar bar, 
although narrow, is far more conspicuous than in P. caruncnlatus, being fully six inches in length. 

The only two specimens in my possession — the adult and young described above — were received 
by me from the Auckland Islands in 1885, having been collected by Mr. Burton, of the Colonial 
Museum, who found hundreds of these Shags frequenting the rocks, and collected twenty or more 
specimens, many of which I examined. One of these (marked $ ), apparently a younger bird, had 
the colours much duller than in my example. 

In the British Museum there are two examples (in moulting condition) obtained by Baron A. 
von Hiigel at the Bluff, in the provincial district of Southland. 

Having to select a distinguishing name for this species, I have much pleasure in dedicating it to 
my friend the Rev. William Colenso, F.R.S., who, as I have already shown on page 152, recorded his 
observations on the Shags inhabiting New Zealand nearly fifty years ago, and who has been ever 
since an active contributor to the scientific literature of his adopted country. 

VOL. II. 


Y 


Okdee STEGANOPODES.] 


[Fam. PELECAMD^. 


PHALAGEOCOEAX CHALCONOTFS. 

(GKAY^S SHAG.) 


Graucalus auritus, Gray, in DiefF. Trav. ii., App. p. 201 (1843). 

Gracalus chalconotm. Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terr., Birds, p. 20, pi. xxi. (1845). 
Graculus glaucus, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 171 (1857). 


Ad. pileo cristate colloque toto, dorso postico et uropygio purpurascenti-nigris, vix viridi lavatis : interscapulio, 
scapularibus et tectricibus alarum brunneis, plumis sordide viridi marginatis, tectricibus minimis purpura- 
scente lavatis : remigibus brunneis, secundariis olivaceo-viridi lavatis : caudi nigra, scapis ad basin albis : 
subtus sordide nitide viridis, jugulo vix purpurascente : rostro cinerascenti-brunneo, culmine saturatiore : 
pedibus sordide flavis : iride tbalassino-viridi. 

Adult. Head, including the crest, and the whole o£ the neck, back, rump, and upper tail-coverts shining purplish 
black, glossed with green in certain lights j mantle and upper surface of wings purplish brown, each feather 
margined with dull shining green ; the whole of the under surface shining purplish black, but not so highly 
glossed as the upper parts •, quills dark brown, the secondaries tinged with olive ; tail-feathers black, the 
shafts white towards the base. Irides green ; bill greyish brown, darker on the ridge ; legs and feet dull 
yellow. Total length 28 inches j wing, from flexure, 12 ; tail 5'5 ; bill, along the ridge 2'6, length from 
gape to extremity of lower mandible 3’5 j tarsus 2‘25 ; longest toe and claw 3 25. 

Nestling. Covered with extremely thick, long, woolly down of a dull sooty- brown colour; bill dark brown, 
yellowish on the under mandible ; lores, cheeks, and sides of the chin perfectly bare and dark coloured 
(black in the dried specimen) ; on the membrane at the base of the lower mandible, on each side, a triangular 
spot of orange extending from the angle of the mouth to the strip of down which passes up between the 
crura of the lower jaw; over the oil-gland a tuft of rather stiff, filamentous feathers of the same colour as 
the down. 

This species is comparatively Tare in New Zealand, and it has not yet been met with elsewhere. 

My description of the adult is taken from Mr. Gray’s type specimen in the British Museum, 
which was obtained by Mr. Percy Earl at Otago, in the South Island ; and more recently Dr. Einsch 
has identified an example of this species, forwarded to him by Prof. Hutton from the same locality. 

There are several examples in the Otago Museum, and my own collection contains both adult 
and young. 

1 believe I am right in referring to this species a pair of Shags which I observed at the mouth 
of Port Chalmers in February 1865. I saw one of them dive, and, after a considerable interval, come 
to the surface with a small sea-lobster, which the bird battered to death on the surface of the water 
before devouring it. 

On the ocean-beach near Waikanae, in the North Island, I saw in the autumn of 1882 a pair of 
Shags which I have no hesitation in referi’ing to this species, as they allowed me to approach near 
enough to observe their burnished plumage. 

Mr. Percy Seymour writes to me that he found Phalacrocorax clialconotus and P. carunculatus 
breeding together in the same shaggery on the Otago coast. He visited the place in August and 
found the young hatched out. 


Oedeb STEGANOPODES.] 


[Eam. PELECANID^. 


PHALACEOCOEAX GLAUCES. 

(BROWN SHAG.) 


Phalacrocorax glaucus, Homb. & Jacq. Voy. Pole Sud, Zool. iii. p. 127 (1853) *. 

Ad. omnino brunneus, supra saturatior : remigibus et rectricibus nigris : rostro grisescenti-brunneo : pedibus flavis. 

Adult male. General plumage deep vinous brown^ darker on tbe upper surface ; the shoulders and the mantle 
glossed with green, and each feather having a scarcely perceptible darker margin ; the lower part of back, 
rump, and thighs glossy dark olive ; quills and tail-feathers blackish brown, the shafts of the latter white in 
their basal portion. Lores feathered. Bare space encircling the eyes orange ; bill greyish brown ; legs and 
feet dull orange-yellow. Total length 31 inches ; wing, from flexure, 13-25 ; tail 7 ; bill, along the ridge 
3-25, along the edge of lower mandible 3 ; tarsus 3 ; longest toe and claw 4. 

Young. Has no gloss on the upper surface ; the feathers composing the mantle are pale yellowish brown ; the 
back, rump, and thighs dull blackish brown ; and the plumage of the under surface much suffused with 
chocolate-brown. 

Ohs. The immature condition of the bird described above is shown by the acuminate tips of the scapulars j 
while some of the pale brown feathers have been replaced by the glossy dark brown of the adult, indicating 
a transitional state of plumage. A specimen in the Otago Museum (which is marked ? ) is darker in 
plumage than the larger of my two examples and it has brown legs ; there are also the faintest indications 
of white filaments on the fore neck. This was obtained near Dunedin, in February 1877. 

Or this rare species I have two fine specimens (adult and young) in my collection, both of which were 
obtained on the Otago coast by the well-known local taxidermist Mr. W. Smythe, and very carefully 
prepared by him. 

Dr. Finsch states (Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. vii. p. 203) that a specimen in the Leyden Museum 
labelled Graculus glaucus, and (probably erroneously) ‘ Terre Magellanique,’ is referable to Phala- 
crocorax chalconotus. Gray. He consequently disallows this species, regarding it as the immature 
state of the last-named form. Even the original describer had doubts on this point : — “Je regarde 
cette espece comme decrite d’apres un jeune, et un jeune de I’espece dont M. G. E. Gray a donne, 
plus tard, la diagnose, sous le nom de Graucalus chalconotus. Si cette assimilation est exacte, cette 
derniere denomination devra constituer un synonyme.” That cannot be the case, however, for one 
of my birds is perfectly adult ; and whether this was the Shag described under the name of glaucus 
or not, it is to all appearance a good species. I admit that it is not unlike the young of Phalacrocorax 
chalconotus, but it differs in the following respects : it is somewhat smaller in size, there is far less 
gloss on the plumage, which is altogether browner in colour, the lores are naked instead of being 
thinly feathered, and the superciliary line of minute caruncles is entirely absent. A specimen which 
I examined in the Natural-History Museum at the Jardin des Plantes is in exactly similar plumage 
to that described above, but with blackish-brown feet. 

As already mentioned, there is an example in the Otago Museum exhibiting signs of white 
filaments on the fore neck, thus affording a presumption that the bird was in nuptial plumage. 

*' “Atlas, PI. 31. fig. 1 (juin 1845). L’individu figure est originaire de la Nouvelle Zelande (Otago). II est d’un bronze 
un peu cuivre sur le milieu de la region dorsale superieure, d’un vert bouteille plus saisissable sur la partie inferieure de cette 
meme region.” 

Y 2 


Oeder STEGANOPODES.] 


[Fam. PELECANID^. 


PHALACEOCORAX PFXCTATUS. 


(SPOTTED SHAG.) 


Spotted Shag, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 602 (1785). 

Pelecamis punctatus, Sparrm. Mus. Carls, t. 10 (1786). 

Pelecanus ncevius, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 675 (1788). 

Phalacrocorax ncevius, Cuv. Eegn. An. i. p. 525 (1817). 

Hydrocorax dilophus, Vieill. N. Diet. d’Hist. Nat. viii. p. 85 (1817). 

Phalacrocorax punctatus, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. p. 88 (1825). 

Graucalus punctatus. Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 201 (1843). 

Gracalus punctatus. Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terr., Birds, p. 20 (1844). 

Sticticarho giUMCtatus, Bonap. C. E. xliii. p. 574 (1856). 

Graculus punctatus. Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 252. 

Ad. fronte et nuch4 valde cristatis : pileo et collo toto postico sordid^ cinerascentibus, viridi-nigricante lavatia, hoc 
lateraliter pluraulis albis ornato : fascia lata alb^ ab oculo per collum laterale decurrente et ad pectus 
laterale products : facie lateral! reliqua et jugulo toto viridi-nigricantibus vix cinerascentibus, hoc plumulis 
parvis albis ornato : interscapulio, scapularibus et tectricihus alarum pulchre cinerascentibus, phrmis omnibus 
apicaliter nigro minute punctatis, tectricibus minimis nigro marginatis : remigibus saturate brunneis, 
primariis extus ad basin cinerascente lavatis, secundariis omnino pulchre cinerascentibus : dorso postico, 
urypygio et supracaudalibus viridi-nigricantibus ; dorso imo lateraliter plumulis albis ornato ; caudh nigra, 
suprh obscure cinerascente lavat^ : subths pulchre grisescenti-cinereus : ahdomine imo et suheaudalibus 
viridi-nigricantibus ; subalaribus brunneis, nigricante lavatis : rostro brunnescenti-flavo : pedibus aurantiacis : 
iride viridi. 

Juv. pallidior, dorsi plumis minhs distincte apicatis : dorso postico et uropygio cinerascentibus : pileo et collo postico 
toto cinerascentibus : facie et collo lateralibus et corpore subths toto albidis, pectoris lateribus et hypo- 
chondriis imis cinerascentibus. 

Adult. Crown of the head, with vertical and occipital crests, glossy greyish black ; sides of the head, throat, and 
anterior portion of fore neck sooty black ; a white stripe, commencing at the nostrils, passes over the eyes 
and increases beyond, being about an inch wide under the occipital crest, then gradually diminishes and 
passes down the sides of the neck to the roots of the wings ; lower part of the neck in front, the breast, 
sides of the body, and upper part of abdomen uniform delicate leaden grey ; lower part of hind neck, 
shoulders, mantle, and upper surface of wings brownish ash, all the feathers, excepting the quills and long 
scapulars, with a terminal spot of velvety black : these spots are most conspicuous on the interscapulars, and 
impart to the plumage a very lively effect ; the small coverts along the edges of the mugs and at the humera 
flexure are merely shaded with purplish brown at the tips; primary quills dark brown, burnished with 
silvery grey on their outer webs ; inner surface of wings dark ashy brown ; tail-feathers black, the shafts bluish 
white towards the base. The vertical and occipital crests consist of soft, narrow, silky feathers, the longest 
occipital measuring two inches, and the longest vertical about half that length. The sides of the head and 
the neck in front and behind are further ornamented with projecting plume-like white feathers of a silky 
texture, and varying in length to about an inch; the thighs also are ornamented in a similar manner, hut to 
a less extent, the effect being produced by minute white feathers at the extremities of fine hair-like stalks, 
the web alone appearing above the surface of the surrounding plumage. Irides green ; bare skin in front 
of the eyes dark blue; bill brownish yellow, horn-coloured at the tips; legs and feet bright orange-yellow. 
Total length 27'5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 10 ; tail 3'75 ; bill, along the ridge 2'4, along the edge of 
lower mandible 3; tarsus 2'25; longest toe and claw 3'75. 



SHAG. CHATH AM-ISLAND SHAG. 

PUNCTATUS. PHALACROCORAX FEATHERSTONI 




‘m. 


SPOTTED 

PHALACROCORAX 


(TWO-FIFTHS NATURAL S I Z E )■ 



I 


I 






165 


Obs. The size of this species is very variable ; and a female specimen in the Auckland Museum gives the 
following measurements ; — ^Total length 34 inches j wing, from flexure, 12 ; tail 5 ; hill, along the ridge 
3'2j along the edge of lower mandible 4’5 ] tarsus 2’25 ; longest toe and elaw 3'5. 

Ymng. Crown of the head, hack of the neck, mantle, and upper surface of wings dull brownish ash, silvery on 
the head and neck, tinged with light brown on the mantle and wing-coverts ; back, rump, and thighs dull 
ashy brown glossed with green ; the spotted character is absent, but the feathers composing the mantle and 
the smaller scapulars are obscurely marked at the tips with ashy brown; throat, fore neck, and all the 
underparts, including the abdomen and under tail-coverts, ashy white tinged with buff ; under surface of 
wings dull brownish ash ; tail-feathers greyish brown, with whitish shafts. It has no crest, nor has it any 
of the ornamental white plumelets. Bill dark yellow, brownish on the culmen ; loral membrane orange ; 
legs and feet orange-brown. 

Nestling. In the very young nestling the skin is entirely bare, nothing being visible but the roots of the downy 
plumelets. When more advanced the body is covered with thick down, dark ash-grey on the upper surface 
and white on the underparts; the forehead, fore part of crown, and a portion of the face and throat 
perfectly bare. In the next stage the quills and tail-feathers are the first to appear. 

Progress towards maturity. In my collection there are two specimens in transition plumage. They have neither 
occipital nor vertical crests ; the crown of the head and back of the neck are sooty grey glossed with green ; 
an indistinct streak of white passes from the eyes down the sides of the neck to the roots of the wings ; the 
upper part of the fore neck is dark leaden grey mottled with black, indicating a change of plumage ; upper 
surface as in the adult, but more tinged with brown, and having the spots less distinct ; back, rump, and 
lower part of abdomen greenish black ; a few scattered filamentous white plumes on the thighs ; fore neck 
and all the under surface dark leaden grey. In one of these specimens the throat and fore neck are more 
largely mottled with black, the grey of the underparts is much lighter, and the thighs are deeply stained 
with brown ; on the wings, where the plumage shows a transitional condition, the black-tipped coverts are 
taking the place of the light-brown feathers with white edges, these latter being characteristic of the young. 

Ohs. The plumage of the adult is exactly the same in both sexes. The vertical and occipital crests are present 
all through the year, but as the breeding-season approaches they become larger and more eonspicuous, while 
the hind neck and the flanks are profusely ornamented with loose white plumes three quarters of an inch 
in length. 


This beautiful representative of the Crested Shags is abundant on the coast of the South Island, but 
is seldom met with on the northern side of Cook’s Strait. I observed a party of three at the mouth 
of the Waikanae river in January 1864; two young birds were killed in Wellington harbour in the 
winter of 1865 ; and other instances have already been mentioned on page 154. 

It associates in large flocks, and frequents the open sea in the vicinity of the coast, as well as 

the mouths of estuaries and sounds, subsisting on fish and crustaceans, which it obtains by diving. 

It is apparently a very inquisitive bird ; for I have often observed a flock of them make up to a 
steamer going at full speed, and fly round her, sometimes returning a second time to reconnoitre. 

Unlike that of the other Shags, its flight consists of quickly repeated flappings of the wings, 
without any sailing movement ; and when out of the water the black plumage of the underparts is 

very conspicuous. It never rises to any great height above the water, which is probably due to the 

comparative shortness of its wings. 

It breeds on the high shelving rocks on the coast or within the sheltered arms of the sea, the 
nests being arranged in successive tiers of considerable extent, and as closely grouped together as the 
form of the rocks in the locality chosen as a breeding-station will admit of. 

The eggs (generally two in number) are elliptical in form, measuring 2'26 inches in length byl'4 
in breadth. When taken from the nest they are covered with a yellowish-white chalky matter, but 
on being cleaned they present a uniform surface of soft bluish green. 


Oeder STEGANOPODES.] 


[Eam. PELECANID^. 


PHALACEOCOEAX PEATHEESTONI. 

(CHATHAM-ISLAND SHAG.) 


Graculus africanus, Hutton, Ibis, 1872, p. 249 (nec Gm.). 

Phalacrocorax feather stoni, Buller, Ibis, 1873, p. 90. 

Ad. pileo et collo undique indigotico-nigris, fronte et occipite conspicue cristatis, collo postico filamentis albis 
paullo dilatatis ornato : dorso suramo cum scapularibus et tectricibus alarum olivascenti-brunneis, plumis 
nigro conspicub apicaliter maculatis, tectricibus minimis sordide indigotico-nigris : dorso postico, uropygio 
ct supracaudalibus indigotico-nigris : rcmigibus nigricanti-brunneis, sccundariis cxtus canescentibus : cauda 
nigra ; subtus pulchre canescens, abdomine imo cum subcaudalibus subalaribusque indigotico-nigris ; rostro 
saturate brunneo : pedibus aurantiacis : iride cani viridi reticulata. 

Adult. Head, upper portion o£ neck, and the whole of the nape, with the vertical and occipital crests, shining 
indigo-black ; sides and hind part of neck ornamented with scattered filamentous white feathers, having the 
tips produced and somewhat spatulate ; the shoulders, mantle, and upper surface of wings olivaceous brown 
glossed with green, each feather marked with a conspicuous terminal spot of black ; back, rump, and upper 
tail-coverts, as well as the small wing-coverts, dull indigo-black ; quills blackish brown, the secondaries 
greyish on their outer webs ; tail black ; lower part of fore neck, breast, and middle portion of abdomen 
beautiful greyj sides of the body, flanks, under surface of wings, lower abdomen, and under tail-coverts 
indigo-black. Irides grey, streaked with green ; bill dark brown ; legs and feet orange-yellow. Length 22 
inches; wing, from flexure, 9; tail 4; bill, along the ridge 2' 2, along the edge of lower mandible 2 6; 
tarsus 1'6; longest toe and claw 3‘25. 


This beautiful addition to the ornithology of our country was one of the novelties bi ought from the 
Chatham Islands by Air. Henry Travers on his return from the exploratory visit mentioned on a 
former page. Professor Hutton had referred it {1. c.) to Graculus africanus (Gmelin), but the 
original specimen having been courteously forwarded to me by Sir James Hector, through the Colonial 
Office, I saw at a glance that we had a new species to record, and was therefore glad of the oppor- 
tunity thus afforded me of describing and figuring it in my former edition. 

I had already associated the name of Air. Henry Travers with one of the new species discovered 
by him ; and, in assigning a distinctive title to this bird, I desired to pay a slight tribute to one who, 
having originally assisted in founding a colony at the Antipodes, had devoted more than thirty years 
of his life to its political affairs, and at that time filled the important office of its Agent General in 
Great Britain — the late Hr. Featherston. 

Several further examples haAm been received at the Colonial Museum, and Air. Walter Hood 
informs me that it is a comparatively common bird on the rocks lying off the Chatham Islands, and 
that he found it breeding there in the months of October and ^November. On Pitt Island these birds 
were so tame that he knocked over two of them with a small stone. 

As Avill be at once apparent from the figures, this sjiecies bears a general resemblance to P. 
punctatus'. like that bird it has a vertical as well as an occipital crest, and the distribution of the 
colours is somewhat similar, although the plumage altogether is much darker. It is readily 
distinguished, however, by its black head and neck, and by the absence of the white stripes which are 
so conspicuous in the other species. 


Oedek STEGANOPODES.] 


[Eam. PELECANID^. 


PHALACEOCOEAX XYCTHEMEEPS. 

(CAMPBELL-ISLAND SHAG.) 


Phalacrocorax oiyctliemerus, Cab. teste Gray, Hand-1, iii. p. 128 (1871). 

PhalacroGorax magellanicus, Hutton, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. xi. p. 338 (nec Gmel., 1879). 
Plialacrocorax nyctliemerus, Hutton, Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. Wales, vol. iv. p. 357 (1880). 
Phalacrocorax nycthemerus, Buller, Manual Birds of New Zealand, p. 96 (1882). 


Ad. similis P. imperiali, sed major et splendidior : gutture pure albo : nucha et collo reliquo undique nitide purpu- 
rascentihus : rostro uigricanti-hrunneo ad basin flavicante : pedibus saturate brunneis. 

Adult. Crown, sides of the bead, and vertical crest shining blackish green, ehanging to brilliant steel-blue on the 
nape and neck all round ; back, rump, upper tail-coverts, and thighs dark steel-blue, highly glossed ; the 
whole of the mantle and upper surface of wings glossy blackish green, fading into the steel-blue on the 
shoulders and back ; the wing-coverts with narrow velvety margins, and the middle ones crossed by a narrow 
alar bar of white, about 2 inches in length by half an inch in Avidth ; an angular patch of white covers the 
chin and throat, and the Avhole of the underparts are pure white, the termination of the dark metallic blue 
on the fore neck being distinctly defined across the crop ; primaries blackish brown with darker shafts , 
secondaries darker, glossed with green j tail rather dull black, the shafts of the feathers polished, and 
becoming whitish towards the base. The crest is vertical, and is composed of soft linear feathers about an 
inch and a half in length. On the face, immediately beloAV the crest, and scattered over the sides of the 
head, are some fine white filaments, indicating that the bird is in breeding-plumage. Bill blackish brown, 
yellowish towards the gape ; feet dark brown. Total length (approximate measurement) 27 inches ; wing, 
from flexure, 11 j tail 5 ; bill, along the ridge 2T, along the edge of lower mandible 3 ; tarsus 2; longest 
toe and claw 3'75. 

Young female. Differs from the adult in having the plumage blackish brown instead of metallic green, 
but nevertheless glossed with green on the head, neck, back, and wings j the feathers of the vertex are 
lengthened, but there is no appearance of a crest ; there is no white alar bar, and the wing-coverts are dull 
brown with paler margins ; tail-feathers yellowish brown with paler edges. 

Note. I am in doubt about the determination of the sex, for the so-marked ad. ? is a really gorgeous bird. 
Both specimens are from Campbell Island, June 1878. 


Of this magnificent species there are two specimens, from which my desciiptions weie taken, in 
the Otago Museum. Professor Hutton, Avho was the first to record it as a New-Zealand biid, 
says {1. c.) in reference to these specimens “ I find that they differ from P. magellanicus in not 
having the white spot under the ear, and in the bare skin in front of the eyes being blue with crimson 
dots, instead of red. From P. purpurascens, Brandt, and from P. sarmientonus, King, the Campbell 
Island bird differs in having a narrow white alar band, and in the feet being flesh-colour, instead of 
brownish yellow. I find it comes nearest to P. nyctliemerus, if not identical with that species.” 

There is no example of this bird in the British Museum, or indeed, so far as I am aware, in any 
collection in this country, Avith which to compare my description of the Otago Museum specimens ; 
but I think Professor Hutton’s identification may be safely followed. 


Okdee STEGAKOPODES.] 


[Fam. PELECANIDJ5. 


PHALACEOCOEAX BEE VIEO STEIS. 

(WHITE-THROATED SHAG.) 


Phalacrocorax brevirostris, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, p. 26. 

Gracalus brevirostris, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 20 (1844). 

Garbo fiavagvXa, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 270 (1848). 

Halieus brevirostris, Bonap. 0. E. xliii. p 577 (1856). 

Microcarbo brevirostris, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 178 (1857). 

Garbo brevirostris, Cass. U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 375 (1858). 

Phalacrocorax finscM, Sharpe, App. Voy. Ereb. and Terr. p. 35 (1875). 

Native name. — Kavvau-paka. 

Ad. supra nitenti-niger, interscapulii jilumis meclialiter sordide cinerascentibus : scapularibus et tectricibus alarum 
cinerasceiitibus conspicue velutino-nigro marginatis : remigibus et rectricibus nigris, canescente paullo 
lavatis : frontis nuchasque plumis elongatis, loris cum supercilio distincto, facie lateral! guttureque toto 
albis : subtus nitenti-niger : rostro flavicante, culmine et apice brunnescentibus : pedibus nigris : iride 
saturate brunnea. 

Juv. omninb nitenti-niger : pileo et collo postico brunneo lavatis : gutture et facie lateral! paullb cinerascentibus : 
tectricibus alarum minimis brunneo marginatis. 

Adult. General plumage glossy black, slightly tinged with green on the upper surface ; a line of white extends 
from the nostrils over the eyes, and, spreading into a patch beyond, covers the cheeks, throat, and a large 
portion of the fore neck, often varying, however, in extent in different examples ; wing-coverts and scapulars 
shining greyish black, bordered with satiny black; quills and tail-feathers black, with polished shafts. 
Irides deep chocolate-brown ; naked skin in front of the eyes and bordering the pouch greenish yellow ; bill 
bright yellow, changing to black on the ridge and towards the hook ; legs and feet black. Total length 
24s inches ; extent of wings 34 ; wing, from flexure, 9‘5 ; tail 7'5 ; bill, along the ridge 1'5, along the edge 
of lower mandible 2'4; tarsus 1'25 ; longest toe and claw 3. 

Obs. Some specimens exhibit a few short filamentous white feathers on the posterior sides of the head. 

I have an adult bird exhibiting a seasonal change of plumage from a rusty or brownish black to the 
glossy black, and without any indication of white on the throat or fore neck. This specimen would seem 
to favour the view held by some collectors that there is a small Black Shag in New Zealand distinct from 
F. brevirostris. For the present, however, we must treat it as a melanoid variety of the common species. 
In some examples of this bird there is a tendency in the underparts to change to white, and as a rule the 
extent of white on the throat and fore neck is uncertain and variable. On this account Dr. Finsch seems 
inclined to unite the species with P. melanoleucus (Trans. N.-Z. Inst. v. p. 211). But I have never seen a 
specimen exhibiting the “ frill” or lateral and occipital crests which are characteristie of the last-named 
species. Birds in full nuptial plumage have the feathers of the vertex lengthened, so as to form a slight crest. 

Young. Entire plumage glossy black, inclining sometimes to greyish white towards the base of lower mandible ; 
sides of the head, fore neck, and breast tinged with brown j mantle and upper wing-coverts greyish black, 
with velvety borders and brownish tips. The bill has the upper mandible dark brown, with yellow edges 
and tip, the lower mandible bright yellow, with wavy brown marks in the centre ; legs and feet jet-black. 
Bare membrane around the eyes and at base of lower mandible flesh-colour. 


169 


Nestling. Covered with thick down of a jet-black colour ; forehead and fore paid of crown and a broad space 
round tlie eyes and across the chin perfectly bare and of a pale blue, changing to purplish flesh-colour 
towards the base of lower mandible. The feathers come first on the back and flanks, the quills and tail- 
feathers also making an early appearance. The newly-hatched chick is almost wholly bare ; and in its next 
state it is sparsely covered with short, smoky-grey down, looking as if it had been singed in the fiie, the 
head and neck being still bare and resembling the leather of a black kid glove. Down the abdomen there is 
a line of white which widens out near the vent. 

Fledgling. The fully-fledged nestling is all black, but, in some specimens, immediately below the gular sac, 
which is greenish yellow, there are a few narrow white feathers interspersed among the black. 

Varieties. Although the plumage described above is undoubtedly that of the adult, this species appears to 
exhibit a dimorphic phase. In almost every flock (say of a dozen) a bird will be observed having the throat, 
fore neck, and entire under surface pure white. Between this extreme form and the normal w'hitc-throated 
bird every intermediate condition of plumage may from time to time be met with, although the vast majority 
of these birds have merely white throats. My series presents the following gradation ; 

No. 1. Entirely black (young bird). 

No. 2. White- throated as described above (both sexes alike). 

No. 3. The white extends down the fore neck and terminates sharply on the crop. 

No. 4. The white extends further and is mixed irregularly with the black on the breast, the former 
preponderating. 

No. 5. Has the abdomen also largely marked with white. 

No. 6. Has the entire under surface white with a few widely scattered black feathers. 

No. 7. Has the well-defined black and white plumage, as described above. 

I think it is the safest course to account for this variation on the theory of dimorphism, because the 
two forms interbreed j whilst, as fixing the normal plumage, I may mention that on visiting one of their 
nesting-colonies I found the breeding-birds (of both sexes) in the ordinary white-throated plumage, without 
a single exception. 

A specimen in the British Museum, with a very white throat, has the plumage of the underparts largely 
tipped with pale brown. 

Mr. Sharpe’s P. finschi is undoubtedly only an albinoid form of P . brevirostris. I have examined 
his type in the British Museum, which was in the collection of New-Zealand birds brought home by the 
Antarctic Expedition. It is in the pied plumage described above, with the following differences : The 
frontal feathers, which are somewhat lengthened, are pure white ; on each wing there is a large subtriangular 
patch of white, covering the median coverts ; the white is pretty even on both wings, but on one of them it 
extends to the outer web of one of the longer coverts, and there is likewise a white feather among the 
seapulars, thus betraying the albinism. But what places the matter beyond all doubt is the existence of 
another example in the British Museum, more recently received from W ellington, in which the white 
markings are considerably extended. In this example the white alar patch is again present, although 
appreciably larger in one wing than the other j the scapulars on both sides are almost entirely white, so also 
is the middle portion of the back, whilst there are numerous white feathers scattered through the black 
plumage covering the shoulders ; on the crown the black is reduced to a small irregular patch, whilst on 
the nape there is a disconnected stripe of black, the rest of the neck being pure white. It is apparent, at a 
glance, that this is a case of albinism ; and by labelling this also P, finschi, Mr. Sharpe practically admits 
that his supposed new species will not stand. 

Another example of the pied form in the British-Museum collection has the feathers covering the 
shoulders and the median upper wing-coverts narrowly margined with brownish white, outside the velvet 
border, imparting a lively effect to the plumage of the upper surface. 

Note. At Whakatane, in the month of January, 1886, 1 saw a flock of seven, five of which were in the oidinaiy 
white-throated state. Of the remaining two, one was entirely black, the other had white underparts and 
a conspicuous spot of white on each wing. This at once raised a doubt in my mind (now confirmed) as to the 
specific value of the bird referred to by myself in the following note: “ Mr. W. 1. L. Travers, who has 

VOL. II. ^ 


170 


just returned from the Hot Springs, informs me that, in Lake Tarawera, he observed a small Shag, 
differing apparently from P. hrevirostris , being of inferior size and marked with white on the wings. He 
was unable to obtain a very close inspection, but it seems not unlikely that this is the bird described by 
Mr. Sharpe under the name of P.finschi.” (Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. ix. p. 336.) 

The White-throated Shag, which appears to be confined to New Zealand and the Chatham Islands, 
frequents the freshwater rivers and lagoons in all parts of the country. Like some of its congeners 
it is social or gregarious, obtains its subsistence by diving, and roosts at night on the branches of trees 
overhanging the water. Its food consists chiefly of eels and small fish ; but I have also found the 
stomach filled with freshwater shrimps. 

It has a habit of swimming, for a yard or two at a time, with its head just under the surface as 
if foraging for food under Avater. 

It is met with more or less on all parts of the coast, but there are some localities which it 
specially affects. One of these is the Porirua harbour near Wellington. Latterly the progress of 
the Wellington and Manawatu railway-works has interfered with the quietude of the place, but for 
nearly thirty years past I have been accustomed to see them when riding or driving along that road. 
They congregate at the little rocky points, in parties of three or four, and sometimes from 15 to 20 — 
some sitting bolt upright, others with their “ banners unfurled,” and others preening their feathers 
in the sunshine. The Avhite throat is very conspicuous as the bird turns its head from side to side, 
and the occasional presence of a white-A'ested individual among those wearing the black livery always 
has a picturesque effect. 

It is very strong on the AA'ing, and often ascends to a considerable height in the air, and then 
sails in wide circles. On these occa.sions, owing to its narroAvness of body and length of neck and 
tail, it has very much the appearance, when seen from below, of a flying cross. 

It is active in all its movements and often exhibits an unusual amount of intelligence amounting 
almost to ratiocination. For example : I remember once standing on the hank of the Waikato river, 
near the Aniwanhva rapids — at the point Avhere the stream is so narroAV that in ancient times a war-party 
bridged it Avith a fallen tree — Avhen I observed one of these little. Shags rise from the Avater and take 
its silent course up the stream, skimming Ioav along the surface. It passed a little jutting rock, 
suggestive of a Shag station, and after proceeding some yards further seemed to change its mind, 
dropped suddenly into the Avater, deliberately swam back, and mounted the stone, where it remained 
some time sunning its outstretched wings. 

I have remarked that it has a special fondness for waterfalls and loves to disport itself in the 
vapoury spray. On the 23rd of October I paid a visit (by no means the first) to the Huka Falls, 
near Taupo, one of the finest sights of its kind in all the Southern Hemisphere. Here the Avhole 
volume of the Waikato river (after a course of fifty miles from its source in the Ruapehu mountains), 
confined within stone walls scarcely thirty feet apart and forming as it were an immense sluice-box, 
comes plunging down the steep channel Avith terrific velocity till it shoots over a precipice of forty 
feet in a magnificent cascade, discharging about 240 million gallons of Avater every hour iirto a basin 
of seething foam. Nothing can be more beautiful or picturesque than the view Avhich is obtained of 
this unique Avaterfall from below, on the Wairakei side of the river. The fine spray caused by the 
madly plunging volume rises in a vapoury mist high above the basin, and the slanting rays of the 
sun upon this produces ever-changing rainboAvs of exquisite beauty. Descending the bank, I entered 
the little rocky cavern knoAvn as Ethel’s cave*, the arched roof of AAdrich is densely covered Avith 
Lomarla, Adiantum, and other hanging ferns of great beauty, whilst the entrance is protected and 


* So named in honour of Mrs. Howard Vincent, -who was the first lady to explore it. 


171 


shaded by a group of luxuriant tree-ferns [Bicksonia squarrosa) growing up from the very edge of the 
water, their fronds almost interlaced by their close contact and their stems laden with the withered 
growth of a former season, hanging around them like a well-wrapped Maori toga. Seated in this cool 
and enchanting spot, and listening to the delicious song of the Zosteroj>s, I gazed long and with 
insatiable delight on the Huka Falls ; and not the least interesting feature to me was this, that a 
dozen or more of these little Shags (or “ River Crows ” as they are sometimes called) kept passing 
and repassing through the misty spray, and up and down the surging “ sluice-box,” apparently for the 
sheer delight of the thing, or else in silent wonderment. 

On another occasion I was standing, with a party of tourists, admiring the beauties of the 
Wairere waterfall near the Taheke. In this unique fall the whole volume of water plunges over two 
ledges in succession, increasing its velocity at the lower one, and forming in the stream below a swirl 
of considerable force. And the effect is greatly heightened by the peculiar situation of the waterfell, 
both sides being closed in by dense overhanging woods, the undergrowth being so luxuriant that the 
pendent ferns dip their waving fronds in foaming water. While standing at the very edge of the 
lower bank, holding on to a convenient branch and gazing on the beautiful scene, a White-throated 
Shag swept past us, within a yard or two, and, passing the fall, disappeared in the woods bejond. I 
mention this in illustration of the habits of this bird, which seems to be quite as much at home in 
woodland stream as on the sea-shore. 

Dr. Finsch says (Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. vii. p. 235) Although omitted in Dr. Buller’s work 
there can be no doubt that Mr. Peale collected a Shag in the Bay of Islands, whicn, like Giaucalus 
chalconotu^. Gray, has not yet been observed since. This species, G. purpuragida, Peale, seems to 
be very near if not identical with G. stictoceplicdus, ^'^.=sulciTOstris, Brandt. ^ 

I still omit Phalacrocorax purqniragula from our list, because I feel persuaded that Peale s 
specimen was only P. brevirostris in the black garb of immaturity. The Australian P. stictocej)halus, 
with which Dr. Finsch is inclined to unite it, has a very close resemblance to the youiig of our bird, 
being not much larger, and only distinguishable by its blackish-brown bill, a brighter lustre in its 
dark plumage, and the presence on each side of the head of numerous narrow linear specks of white. 

Large numbers are sometimes congregated in their roosting-place ; and when disturbed or alarmed 
they rise into the air simultaneously and course about in a confused manner, resembling at a distance 
a flight of Rooks. 

On one occasion I visited their roosting-place in the evening in order to watch theii behaviour 
on assembling. On the banks of the Rangitikei river I found a number of them crowding together 
on the branches of a small kahikatea tree overhanging the water, and about twenty moie perfoiming 
gyrations high in the air, apparently surveying the ground before descending to roost for the night. 
Those already on the branches were very shy, and on our approach slipped away on the wing 
noiselessly and with the swiftness of an arrow. They do not breed in these roosting-places, but retire 
further up the streams, where they are less likely to be molested. 

One of my brothers visited a breeding-place in the centre of a large “ negro-head swamp in the 
South Island, but the odour was so intolerable that he could not be induced to go there again. He 
found some hundreds of these Shags breeding together in a colony, the nests being placed close 
together on the clumps of ‘ ‘ negro-head ” standing out of the water. 

Like the Black Sea-Shag, they retire to the “ negro-head ” swamps and to the lakes of the interior 
for the purpose of breeding, establishing themselves in large colonies, and returning to the same 
shaggery year after year. The low scrub fringing the shores of a lake or lagoon is the site usually 
selected ; and the nests are constructed of broken twigs, dry flags, and rushes loosely placed together 
to the thickness of several inches, with sometimes an upper layer of soft dry grass. 

In the Lake district there are shaggeries of considerable magnitude which are much valued 

z 2 


172 


by the natives, each colony of nests having its own proprietor, who exercises all the rights of owner- 
ship, visiting the ground at the breeding-season for the purpose of collecting the young birds, which 
are potted in the usual manner and are considered a great dainty. Captain Mair accompanied one 
of the Shag parties to the Tauranga river, at. Lake Taupo, and saw 400 young birds collected in the 
course of a single day. Both the White-throated and the small Black Shag, he states, breed together 
in these localities, although apparently never pairing. 

I visited one of these colonies at Matapiro (in the Hawke’s Bay district) on Jan. 29, and found 
nests in every stage of breeding. We saw naked young birds just extruded from the egg, looking 
like little leathery sacs of a flesh-brown colour, their sensitive young bodies full of tremor even in 
the strong sunlight ; in other nests were young birds a stage more advanced, the whole surface of the 
body, with the exception of the head, blackened like the skin of a negro ; in some nests two such 
little niggers ” were lying side by side with two unhatched eggs , in others, again, the black skin 
was covered with a dense, short growth of sooty-black down, the whole of the head and cheeks being 
entirely bare and flesh-white, darkening on the nape and then passing into black, with a gradual 
development of down on the neck, the bill and feet being black. In the most advanced state, the 
young birds had a thick-set growth of short down right up to the crown of the head, where it pre- 
sented a well-defined outer margin, the whole covering being sooty black, with a sprinkling of white 
down along the margins of the wings, upon which the quill-feathers were just appearing; the naked 
skin of the crown, sides of the face, cheeks, and chin perfectly smooth and of a clean flesh-white, 
excepting only a narrow line of dark brown passing from the base of the upper mandible through the 
eyes, and becoming still narrower behind ; bill and feet perfectly black. 

In association with the nests of this species were two belonging to the Black Shag, and 
presenting a far more substantial appearance. One of these was empty ; the other contained two 
young birds, of large size and covered with thick black down, the bare skin on the sides of the face, 
cheeks, and chin being bright lemon-yellow. These birds craned up their lanky necks as we 
approached them with a snare at the end of a long rod, took the situation in at a glance, clambered 
over the sides of the nest, and tumbled hurriedly into the stream below, thus beginning a new epoch 
in their lives ! 

In the Canterbury Museum there are two nests of the White-throated Shag, diff'ering entirely in 
their construction. One of them is very compact, rounded in form, with a diameter of more than a 
foot, and a thickness of five inches, presenting only a slight depression for the eggs, and com- 
posed of weeds, grasses, and dry flags, on a foundation of broken twigs. The other is formed entirely 
of broken twigs, with the leaves attached, closely interlaced together, with a deep cavity for the eggs, 
the whole being securely placed in the fork of a small tree ; it is, in fact, a compact structure, of a 
round symmetrical form, and very firmly put together. Each of these nests contains three eggs, all 
of which have the surface much soiled. 

The eggs of this species exhibit much variety in shape and size. I have now before me a large 
series of specimens from my son’s collection, varying from the typical ovoid to a narrow elliptical 
form. The former measures 2 inches in length by 1T5 in breadth, and is of a clear pale green, with 
only a thin yellowish film over a portion of its surface; the latter measures 1'7 inch in length by 
1-2 in breadth, and is of a paler green, thickly incrusted in places with chalky matter and stained 
over a great part of its surface to a dark yellow colour. Between these extremes there are numerous 
individual variations. An example received from Mr. Walter Shrimpton is both small and elliptical 
in form, measuring 1-8 inch in length by IT in breadth; it is greenish white, with a faint gloss, 
the coating of chalky matter on the surface being thin and even. 


Oedee STEGANOPODES.] 


[Eam. PELECAA^IDiE. 


PHALACEOCOEAX MEL ANOLEUCU S. 

(FRILLED SHAG.) 


Phalacrocorax melanoleucus, Vieill. N. Diet. viii. p. 88 (1817). 
PhalacroGorax flavirhynclms, Gould, P. Z.S. 1837, p. 157. 

Graucahis flavirostris, Gray, in Dieff. Trav. ii., App. p. 201 (1843). 
Gracalus melanoleucus. Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terr., Birds, p. 20 (1844) *. 
Graculus melanoleucus. Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 251.. 

Halieus melanoleucus, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 577 (1856). 

Microcarlo melanoleucus, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 177 (1857). 


Ad. pileo colloque postico et corpore supra nigris, scapularibus et tectricibus alarum viridi nitentibus, velutino- 
nigro marginatis : pileo et collo lateralibus cum corpore subtus toto albis : corporis lateribus, subalaribus et 
axillaribus nigris : rostro flavicanti-brunneo, culmine saturatiore : pedibus nigris ; iride saturate bruunea : 
regione opbthalmica flava. 

Adult. Crown of the head, hind part of neck, and general upper surface, as well as the sides of the body, flanks, 
axillary plumes, and inner lining of wings glossy black; wing-coverts and scapulars greenish black, with 
ebony-black edges; face, tbroat, fore part and sides of neck, and all the under surface pure white; wing- 
feathers and tail black. Irides dark brown ; space round the eyes yellow ; bill yellowish brown, deepening 
to black on the ridge ; tarsi and feet black. The feathers of the forehead are narrow and elongated, forming 
a slight vertical crest ; the white plumage of the face and the feathers of the hind head are likewise pro- 
duced, forming tolerably distinct lateral and occipital crests. Length 24-5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 9-5 ; 
tail 6'25 ; bill, along the ridge 1'25, along the edge of lower mandible 2'1 ; tarsus 1'25 ; longest toe and 

claw 2‘6. 

Young. Differs only in having the feathers of the upper surface margined more or less with pale brown, and the 
plumage of the underparts of a less pure white, obscurely mottled with brown. 


The Frilled Shag, although dispersed over every part of Australia, is a comparatively rare species iu 
New Zealand, if indeed it does occur at all ; for I am inclined to think that the supposed examples of 
Phalacrocorax melanoleucus, recorded from time to time, are nothing but P. Irevirostris in the 
occasional pied plumage already described. 

There is, however, a locally-killed specimen in the Auckland Museum whicli seems inseparable 
from the Australian bird. It has a distinct frontal crest and a well- developed frill, the white feathers 
of the upper fore neck being lengthened, almost sufficiently to meet at the back. 

This species resorts to the rocky shores of bays and estuaries, as well as to inland rivers and 
lagoons ; and it is said to breed in trees, several pairs being generally associated together. 

* Afterwards named Phalacrocorax finsclii by Mr. Sharpe, who thus distinguished it: — “P. similis P. melanoleuco sed 
tectricibus alarum medianis exterioribus albis, speculum vel fasciam alarem formantibus : axillaribus tantum nigris, nec corporis 
lateribus ut in P. melanoleuco nigris, distinguendus.” But Mr. Sharpe’s type is undoubtedly an albinoid variety of P. bi evi 
rostns (see page 168). 


Oedek STEGANOPODES.] 


[Eam. PELECANID^. 


PHALACEOCOEAX HUTTONL 

(HUTTON’S SHAG.) 


Exempt, ex N. Z. Similis P. vario, sed paullo major : suprk brunnescensj tectricibus alarum pallidiore brunneo 
marginatis et terminatis : macula aurantiaca anteoculari absente : pedibus sordide flavis. 

New-Zealand specimen. Head and bind neck dark vinous brown^ touched on the margins with lighter brown ; 
this colour deepens to blackish brown^ with darker velvety edges, on the mantle, gets lighter in the inter- 
scapular region, and changes to glossy greenish black on the lower back, rump, and thighs ; the throat, fore 
neck, and all the underparts pure white. The wing-feathere are blackish brown with a greenish gloss, and 
the whole of the wing-coverts, as well as the outer feathers of the mantle, are rich vinous brown, with paler 
brown margins and tips, producing a very pretty effect ; the inner secondaries are similarly tipped ; and 
some of the outer scapulars have whitish margins ; the tail-feathers are blackish brown -with paler edges, 
becoming brownish white on the two middle ones, and with dark shafts changing to greyish white at the 
base. The lores are sparsely covered with very short vinous-brown feathers, and the membrane behind the 
eyes is partially studded in a similar way but with still smaller feathers. The bill is dark greyish horn- 
colour, and the legs and feet appear to have been originally orange, the colour having faded out in the dried 
skin. Total length 36 inches; wing, from flexure, 12-5 ; tail 6 ; bill, along the ridge 2-75, along the edge of 
lower mandible 3-75 ; tarsus 2-25 ; longest toe and claw 4-5. 

Obs, In the specimen described above the tail-feathers are much worn and abraded at the tips, the bird being 
a fully adult one and in changing plumage. The bill is more attenuated, or with a narrower gonys, than in 
any of our other species. 


The specimen from which the above description is taken forms part of the fine collection of New- 
Zealand birds in the Otago Museum, and I understand that it was shot by Mr. Bourne on the ocean- 
beach near Dunedin, in January 1876. 

It is marked, in Prof. Hutton’s handwriting, Plialacrocorax varius ; but its somewhat superior 
size, the difference in the plumage of the upper surface, the slightly feathered lores, the absence of 
the facial spot of orange, and, more than all, the colour of its legs (which are yellow instead of being 
jet-black) to my mind render such an identification impossible. Indeed, the curator of the Museum 
informed me that Professor Hutton had himself expressed doubts on the subject. 

There is an almost exactly similar specimen (from the Straits of Magellan) in the British Museum 
which has been referred to Phalacrocorax albiventris. I am not satisfied with this identification, 
because that species is described as “ having a recurved crest and the caruncles on the front largely 
developed,” besides having a white alar bar, all of which characters are wanting in the British-Museum 
example. 

I feel very uncertain as to whether this bird belongs to a species already described ; but as I 
have been quite unable to identify it, I think I cannot do better, for the present at least, than 
connect with it the name of Professor F. W. Hutton, who has done so much towards elucidating 
the synonymy of this group, to say nothing of his numerous other contributions to New-Zealand 
ornithology. 


Oedek STEGANOPODES.] 


[Eam. PELECANID^. 


PLOTUS NOV^ HOLLANDIiE. 

(AUSTRALIAN DARTER.) 


New-IIolland Barter, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. x. p. 453 (1824). 

Plotus novce liollandixe, Gould, Proc. Z. S. part xv, p. 34 (1847). 

Exempl. ex N. Z. Viridescenti-niger : dorso brunnescente lavato ; gula maculis albis sagittiformibus notata : fascia 
lata albd a basi mandibularum usque ad latera colli extensS, : scapularibus lauceolatis, medialiter griseo- 
albis, late nigro marginatis : gutture imo rufo lavato. 

Neiv- Zealand specimen. Crown, nape, bind part of neck, and shoulders blackisb brown, mottled with white, each 
feather being narrowly edged with it ; the whole of the hack and rninp black; quills and tail-feathers black, 
the inner webs of the former tinged with purplish brown, and the three innermost secondaries with a broad 
longitudinal stripe of white on their outer vane ; bastard quills and the superior primary coverts black, the 
inner ones slightly tipped with white ; the larger secondary coverts are white on their outer webs and beyond 
the shaft, then black with a sharply defined edge ; the smaller coverts white in their central portion, with a 
black lanceolate stripe on each web and narrowly margined with white ; towards the edge of the wing the 
feathers are black Avith a central arrow-head spot of white, becoming entirely greyish white at the carpal 
flexure ; scapulars black with a broad stripe of dull white on their outer webs ; the coverts white in their 
central portion with black shafts, a broad stripe of black on each web with a narrow outer margin of white ; 
throat, fore neck, and all the underparts buffy white ; under surface of the wings and tail black. A broad 
line of black extends from the posterior edge of the eyes down the side of the neck, separating the dark 
brown of the hind neck from the white plumage of the under surface. The middle tail-feathers, and the 
innermost scapulars on the outer rvebs, have a peculiar crimped surface. Bill yellowish horn-colour, brownish 
towards the base of the upper mandible; the inner cutting-edges of both mandibles armed with minute 
sharp barbs inclined backwards. Feet dull yellow, shaded with brown ; claws yellowish brown. Total 
length (approximately) 40 inches; wing, from flexure, 14; tail (consisting of eight feathers) 10; culmenS 15; 
bill, along the edge of lower mandible 4‘25 ; tarsus 3; longest toe and claw 3‘8 ; hind toe and claw 1 5. 


The Canterbury Museum contains a roughly pi'epared skin of the Australian Darter {Plotus novce 
liollandice) obtained under circumstances which leave no doubt in my mind of the occurrence of this 
bird as a straggler in New Zealand. 

The late Mr. F. E. Fuller, an excellent taxidermist attached to the Museum, during a visit to 
Hokitika in January 1874, found the skin stretched flat and nailed up inside an old shed. He brought 
it away, but could get no information as to how it came there. An examination of the skin shows 
clearly that it was in a fresh state when affixed to the wall, the edges having, in the process of drying, 
shrunk away from the nails on both sides. 

It would seem that some digger or working settler, probably attracted by the rarity of the bird, 
had adopted this rude mode of preserving it. At any rate the skinning-operation appears to have 
been performed by unskilful hands, an open slit having been made from the hind part of the head 
right down the back to the root of the tail. 

The suggestion Avill occur that the bird may have come doAvn from Australia in some vessel ; but 
the condition of the tail-feathers, which to the very tips are clean and unbroken, proves, I think, that 


176 


this was no caged bird. Those who have kept birds of this class in captivity know how soon the 
tail-feathers in particular get soiled and abraded. The almost entire absence of fat on the inner 
surface of the skin would seem to indicate that the bird had performed a long journey on the wing ; 
although this may be otherwise accounted for on the supposition of its being a female in breeding 
condition. The plumage of this specimen, of which a description is given above, allows of its being 
either an adult female or a young bird of the first year, at Avhich stage the sexes are alike. 

I may here mention that the late Sir J. von Haast, during his exploration of the Southern Alps 
in the summer of 1862, met with a bird in the Ohau Lake, swimming very low in the water, which 
he was unable at the time to identify, and that the above discovei’y convinced him it was a Plotiis. 

The habitat of Plotus novce hollmidm, according to Gould (Handb. B. Austr. ii. p. 496), is 
confined to the colonies of South Australia and New South Wales, where it is thinly but generally 
dispersed in all situations suitable to its habits, such as the upper parts of armlets of the sea, the 
rivers of the interior, extensive water-holes, and deep lagoons. This writer adds : — “ Shy and 
seclusive in disposition, it usually takes up its abode in localities little frequented by man ; seeks its 
prey in the water, dives with the greatest ease to the bottom of the deepest pools, and is as active in 
this element as can well be imagined. It ordinarily swims with a considerable portion of the body 
above the surface of the water, but upon being disturbed immediately sinks beneath it, leaving the 
head and neck only to be seen, and these, from their form and the motion communicated to them 
by the action of swimming, present a close resemblance to those of a snake *. Its food consists of 
fish, aquatic insects, newts, frogs, &c. After feeding it perches on a snag of some fallen tree in the 
water, or on the naked branch of a tree in the forest nigh to its haunts, often on one of the greatest 
height, where it sits motionless for hours together: while thus perched it is much more easily 
approached and shot than on the water, where it is wary in the extreme.” 

The male differs from the female in having the breast and neck black with an arrow-head 
mark of white on the throat, and a broad stripe of the same from the base of the mandibles on 
each side of the upper neck ; also in having rusty red stains on the underside of the throat. 

* There is a special mechanism in the neck of the Darter which gives it a peculiar “ kink ” in the middle. The connection 
between this specialized character and the natural habits of the bird has been well explained by the late Mr. W. A. Forbes as 
follows : — 

“ The Darters feed entirely, so far as I have been able to observe, under water. Swimming with its wings half expanded, 
though locomotion is effected entirely by the feet, the bird pursues his prey (small fishes) with a peculiar ‘ darting ’ or jerky 
action of the head and neck, which may be compared to that of a man poising a spear or harpoon before throwing it. Arrived 
within striking-distance, the Darter suddenly transfixes, in fact bayonets, the fish on the tip of its beak with marvellous dexterity, 
and then immediately comes to the surface, where the fish is shaken off the beak by jerking of the head and neck (repeated till 
successful), thrown upwards, and swallowed, usually head first. A study of the neck in the recently dead bird leaves little doubt 
as to the mechanism by which this peculiar impaling of the prey is effected. The 8th cervical vertebra is articulated with the 
7th in such a way that the two cannot naturally be got to lie in the same line, but form an angle, open forwards, of about 145°, 
when the two bones are stretched as far as is possible in that direction. Behind, its articulation with the 9th cervical is such as 
to permit it to be bent back at an angle a little greater than 90° with that vertebra, beyond which extent, however, no further 
flexion is possible. The 8th vertebra is thus so articulated with the 7th anteriorly and the 9th ])osteriorly as to allow it, when 
the neck is flexed, to be nearly at right angles to the rest of the neck, the two portions of which, though parallel, are then at 
different horizons, something like the two bars of a parallel ruler. When the neck is bent in this Z-shaped form, any opeuing- 
out of the anterior angular bend by the action of the anterior neck-muscles causes the anterior moiety of the neck to suddenly 
shoot out, thus causing a corresponding protrusion of the head and beak. By the flexion of the 6th on the 7th, and of the 9th 
on the 10th cervical vertebraj, the curve of the neck is increased — the articulations of the 8th vertebra still forming the double 
hinge round which motion takes place — and the impaling action correspondingly augmented. This protrusion, though only for 
a short distance, is so violent as to effectually ‘ strike ’ the fish which the bird is pursuing.” (Proc. Z. 8. 1882, pp. 210-212.) 


Oedee STEGANOPODES.] 


[Fam. PELECAKID^. 


DYSPOEUS SEEEATOE. 

(AUSTRALIAN GANNET.) 


Sula australis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1840, p. 177 (nec Steph.). 

Sula serrator. Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p, 19 (1844). 
Bysporus serrator, Finsch, J, f. O, 1867, p. 339. 

Sula serrator, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 323 (1873). 


Native names. — Takapu, Takupu, and Toroa-haoika. 


Ad. alhus: pileo et collo postico dare ochrascenti-fulvis : remigibus brunnescenti-nigris, scapis flavicantibus, versus 
apicem brunneis, secundariis intimis albis dorso concoloribus : cauda alba, reetricibus quatuor centralibus 
brunneis, ad basin albis : rostro saturate cano : regione opbthaltnica nuda cyanescenti-can4 : plaga nuda ad 
basin rostri et fascia gulari nndft nigricanti-canis : pedibus saturate brunneis, tarso et pedibus antic^ viri- 
dibus : iride pallide argentescenti-brunned. 

Adult. General plumage snowy white ; the crown of the head and back of the neek deep sienna-yellow ; the 
primaries, secondaries, and four central tail-feathers brownish blaek, with white shafts, darkening towards 
the tips. Irides pale silvery brown ; bill dark pearl-grey; bare space surrounding the eyes bluish grey ; 
bare skin at the base of the beak and down the centre of the throat blackish grey ; legs and feet dark brown, 
with a broad line of bright apple-green down the front of the tarsus and continued on the toes. Total 
length 35 inches ; extent of wings 70 ; wing, from flexure, 19 ; tail 10 ; bill, along the ridge 3'5, along the 
edge of lower mandible 4; tarsus 2; middle toe and claw 3*75. 

Young. Upper surface dark slaty grey, each feather with a rounded spot of white near the tip ; the plumage of 
the forehead and vertex darker than the rest of the head, this shade running off into a point on the crown ; 
under surface white, more or less ma ked on the fore neck and breast with sooty grey. The white spots are 
most distinct on the wing-coverts, scapulars, and feathers of the back and rump. The eyelids are dull grey, 
and have not that beautiful blue tint which adorns the fully matured bird ; nor is the green rib on the tarsi 
and toes so conspicuous, for, although present, it is rather of a dull yellowish colour. 

Younger state. There is a somewhat younger bird in my collection which has the white down still adhering to 
the vertex, nape, and hind neck. It differs in having the white spots on the upper surface, and particularly on 
the shoulders, larger and more conspicuous ; also more white on the crown, with a few crescentic grey 
markings on the breast. 

Progress towards maturity. A young bird, in the condition of plumage described above, was brought by me to 
England and presented (with other birds) to the Zoological Society. It was lodged in the Gardens at the 
end of April, and during several successive visits, extending over the following six months, I was able to 
mark the changes of plumage as the bird advanced towards maturity. 

By the middle of July the spots on the upper surface had considerably diminished, being reduced on the 
back and wing-coverts to mere shaft-points. This change was not, however, due to the moulting of the 
feathers, but to the wearing away of the extremities, the shaft-tips being almost denuded. The dark markings 
on the head and neck had also undergone a change ; but this was evidently the result of a new growth, for on 
the nape and hind neek the white now predominated, and was already assuming a yellow tinge. The spotted 
character was, however, still conspicuous on the wing-coverts, back, and rump. The tail-feathers were much 
VOL. II. 2 A 


178 


worn and broken, probably the result of captivity. The facial membrane was nearly as blue as in the adult, 
but the lines on the tarsi and toes were of a much paler green ; irides as in the adult. 

By the end of October the head, neck, and underparts had assumed the plumage of the adult. The 
shoulders, back, and upper surface of wings Avere blackish brown, irregularly marked or variegated with 
white, all the new feathers being pure white, this transitional plumage haAung a very pretty effect. The 
white tips had disappeared from the scapulars, and were much worn and denuded on the Aving-coverts ; but 
the spots were still visible on the back and rump. 

Nestling. Covered with thick woolly down of the purest white ; forehead and cheeks denuded and of a yellowish 
colour. The woolly covering stands up and over the crown, giving the bird a peculiar “judicial look ” which 
is very comical •, bill black, with greyish tip to both mandibles j legs pale brown, with visible lines of paler 
broAvn along the tarsi and toes. The wing-feathers, which are the first to appear above the down, are black 
with white tips. 

Remarks. The form of this bird is specially adapted to its plunging-habits, the body being very elongated and 
compressed on the sides, the neck long and powerful, and the head wedge-shaped in front, with a flattened 
croAvn. The throat is capable of great dilatation ; and the bill, Avhich is longer than the head and strongly 
formed, has a peculiar hinge-like development, the purpose of which is very obvious •, on each side of the 
rounded culmen there is a deep longitudinal furrow, which forks laterally about an inch from the tip ; below 
this the sides of the upper mandible are slightly convex, and toAvards the base there is a jointed notch, which, 
being elastic, adds considerably to the expansive power of the bill as a means of seizure. A bare membrane, 
extending from the base of the upper mandible, occupies the lores, turns sharply round the eyes, and ends 
in a narrow process about an inch in length and in a line with the gape ; a similar membrane covers the 
throat, and passing doAvn the middle of the gnlar pouch, terminates acutely. The tongue is rudimentary, 
being only a quarter of an inch in length, and free at both extremities. The nasal apertures are extremely 
small. The feet are strong, the toes webbed to their extremities, the claws short and convex, the middle one 
being flat and pectinate on its inner edge. The tarsi and toes are armed anteriorly with a line of soft 
scutella, which differ in colour from the surrounding parts. The total weight of the bird is only 3 lb. 

Obs. The first moult Avould seem to take place before the young birds leave the breeding-ground, inasmuch as the 
spotted plumage is never met with at sea. 


The Gannet is comparatively common on our coasts, and, during tempestuous weather, enters the bays 
and harbours in quest of its food. 

It is a powerful flier ; and it is very interesting to watch it while in pursuit of its finny prey : 
poising its body for an instant in mid-air, it plunges headlong into the sea, with a velocity that makes 
the spray rise several feet, entirely disappearing under the surface for some seconds, and then springing 
upwards with the buoyancy of a cork ; after which it rests on the water for several minutes, and then 
takes wing again, to renew the feat. 

In stormy weather it frequents our bays and harbours, being able to continue there its fishing- 
operations in spite of the weather. When the proverbial S.E. gale is blowing at Wellington, a few 
of them are always to be seen on the wing, coursing up and down the harbour, and a few amidst the 
shipping, sometimes mounting high, and ever and anon plunging under water. From the ocean- 
beach I have watched them, for hours together, when the sea Avas calm, foraging in pairs, crossing and 
recrossing each other’s line of flight with untiring industry and occasionally resting for a few minutes 
on the placid surface. 

On the Whangarei river, several miles from the sea, I saw on one occasion several of these birds 
flying low over the quiet waters, and occasionally rising high in the air as if to reconnoitre ; but 
their appearance at this distance from the sea is very unusual. 

In dull murky weather the snow-Avhite plumage of this bird, rendered more striking by the black 


179 


extremities of the expanded wings, makes it a very conspicuous object as it sails majestically overhead 
or scans the surface of the rippling waves. 

It is a curious circumstance, and perfectly well attested, that shortly before the terrific Tarawera 
eruption in 1886 the Gannets suddenly disappeared from White Island and from all their other resorts 
in the Bay of Plenty *. 

On one occasion, when riding down the coast between Manawatu and Otaki, I came suddenly 
upon a Gannet asleep on the smooth sandy beach, and, dismounting from my horse, I succeeded in 
taking it before it awoke. It was a beautiful specimen, in full feather, and apparently quite healthy ; 
but it was probably worn out by fatigue and hunger, after a stormy day at sea. The description at 
the head of this article was taken from this particular bird, which is now in the Colonial Museum. 

It is a fact, although I was myself for a long time sceptical about it, that the Gannet cannot rise 
off a plane surface. On the ground it is quite helpless ; and it can only mount in the air by getting 
on to an incline and then starting outwards. 

When not fishing it generally flies pretty close to the water in a very direct course and with rapid 
and regular strokes of its narrow but powerful wings. The black pinions have a pretty effect by 
contrast with the pure white plumage of the body as the bird is thus seen skimming along the surface 
of the “ dark blue wave.” Occasionally, however, it rises higher and sometimes forms a striking 
object in the sky. For instance, I find this passing note in my journal : — “ The shores of Cook’s Strait, 
as we approach Queen Charlotte Sound, are bold and mountainous. As we proceed on our voyage, 
noble vistas open themselves to view, presenting wild and varied scenery and disclosing in the 
remote background towering peaks all shrouded in vapoury clouds. As we stand gazing at the ever- 
changing picture an object appears far away in the distance, held against the murky wall of cloud and 
mountain beyond like a boy’s kite sailing against the scud, and ever and anon glistening with pearly 
whiteness in the uncertain light. That object is a Gannet. Tired of fishing, he has mounted on 
his strong pinion and is now poising himself in mid-air and surveying far below him the troubled 
waters in which he loves to plunge.” 

The Maoris manifest great admiration for the Gannet, because of its spirit and dash in catching 
fish ; and this bird naturally takes a prominent place in the ancient story recounting a trial of strength 
between the birds of the sea and those inhabiting the land. (See page 148.) 

I had a young bird brought to me towards the end of February ; it was of full size, but in the 
immature plumage, looking very handsome in its spotted dress. I was staying at the time at the 
Wellington Club, and the bird was confined in a back yard, from which it made its escape several 
times in a very clever manner, and was always found skulking among the vegetation on the surrounding 
hills. It lived almost exclusively on fish, and had so voracious an appetite that I have known it to 
swallow as many as twenty-seven herrings in the course of a day. It never exhibited a spark of 
gratitude for this liberal supply of food, but would, on every occasion, attack its keeper’s hands in the 
fiercest manner, uttering at the same time a peculiar guttural sound as if choking. I succeeded in 

* A newspaper correspondent tlius refers to this singular coincidence : — “ The ‘ Hinomoa ’ left 'Wellington for Tauranga on 
the night after the now famous eruptions at the Hot Lakes. She carried Dr. Hector, Major Mair, and others (including myself), 
who were hound for the scene of the disturbance. Nothing more uncommon than a heavy sea is to be recorded on the passage to 
White Island. Captain Pairchild ran in close to the island, hut there was no sign of any recent disturbance, although the captain 
thought that the lake was throwing off more steam than usual, and that a mound which had latterly appeared in the lake had 
disappeared. The Gannets, however, which, to use the skipper’s description, were formerly so thick upion certain points ‘ that 
you could not stick another Gannet in,’ left the island altogether some time before the eruption and have not returned, and I 
venture to recommend their unanimity to the notice of the numerous scientists, who will, no doubt, explain in full the why and 
the wherefore. Shortly after leaving White Island we encountered a vile sulphurous smell, which came in company with a thick 
fog off the land. A little more than an hour’s running took us through the fog, which left an impalpable dust upon everything 
on deck, and formed a peculiar froth upon the sea.” 


2a2 


180 


bringing this bird to England in one of the New Shipping Company’s steamers, having been able to 
lay up a sufficient supply of fresh fish for the voyage in the ship’s freezing-chamber. On arrival I 
presented it, as already mentioned, to the Zoological Society, and there it developed the mature livery, 
sharing for a long time, with numerous other waterfowl, the pond-enclosure near the Eastern Aviary, 
and attracting the notice of visitors by the eager manner in which it followed the keeper about the 
ground at feeding-time. 

Of the Australian Gannet the Earl of Pembroke writes * in the following spirited terms 

“ The splendid yellow-headed species which is common in the South Pacific is, I think, the finest 
of all fishing-birds from John o’ Groats to the Chatham Islands. ..... Soaring high he marks his 
prey beneath him, and shutting up his wings (like a Wood-Pigeon darting into cover) he plunges 
downwards with a splash that makes one s head ache to look at, and after a semicircular dive of five 
or six yards, he emerges, sneezing and flapping, with his prey safely lodged in his throat. I have 
seen a good deal of Gannet-life, both domestic and public. On Nepean and Phillip Islands, in the 
Norfolk-Island group, I used to find the fond mother sitting affectionately by the side of the snow- 
white fluff she called her child (paterfamilias having made himself scarce long before we reached the 
party) till I was within two or three yards of her, when she solemnly disgorged the two fish she had 
been cooking in her throat for her darling’s supper, and followed her mate’s example. These two 
fish on Nepean Island were nearly always a species of anchovy with the brown line of flesh, or fish, 
strongly marked ; they were closely pressed together, and had evidently undergone a process of 
maceration if not of digestion. The New-Zealand Sitla, like his Maori fellow-countryman, is of a 
most war-like nature, and fights fiercely for the sanctity of his nursery. I once saw the most stout- 
hearted of British skippers fairly driven off a rookery of them with his breeks in rags and tatters and 
his legs in holes, positively obliged to retreat and arm himself with a big stick before he could make 
his ground good. Even after the old birds were driven off, we had to walk warily amongst the sharp- 
billed Powder-puffs, as they never missed a chance of giving us a sharp prod if we came within their 
reach.” 

Colonel Haultain informs me that on the occasion of a visit to White Island, in the Bay of 
Plenty, on Christmas day, he found thousands of young Gannets there. They were clothed in down, 
and were packed so closely together, that it was almost impossible to distinguish the occupant of any 
single nest. The old birds manifested no fear at the presence of man, and, where they were sitting on 
their eggs, required to be fairly pushed off before they would quit the nest. On being thus disturbed, 
or when fighting with one another, they utter a gurgling cry, like Jco-wacJc, Jco-wacic, but habitually 
they are silent. It may be here mentioned that White Island is the top of a submerged volcanic cone, 
in the centre of which there is a deep lake of hot water, like a vast cauldron, constantly emitting 
steam, with occasional outbursts of boiling water rising to the height of several hundred feet. In the 
vicinity of this lake there are numerous round holes, in which boiling mud is kept in violent agitation ; 
and the surface of the ground round these geysers is covered with great masses of crystallized sulphur, 
deposited by the heated vapours. Altogether the island is a very remarkable geological curiosity ; and, 
considering its normal heat and the sulphurous state of its atmosphere, it seems a singular spot to be 
chosen as a nesting-ground. 

Off the Kawhia shore, on the opposite or west coast (about halfway between Manukau and 
Taranaki), there is a bare rock, known to sailors as Gannet Island, where another extensive breeding- 
place exists. My son Percy visited this place in December 1883, in the Government steamboat 
‘ Hinemoa,’ but owing to the heavy sea he was unable to land. Passing, however, close alongside, he 
was able to make some observations, of which he has furnished the following note : — 


* ‘ South-Sea Bubbles,’ by the Earl and the Doctor, p. 65. 


181 


“ The island comprises about six acres of rock, without to all appearance a blade of vegetation 
upon it, and is situated about thirteen miles abreast of Kawhia. It forms a gentle slope upwards 
from the sea, with a sheer precipice on the other side. On the slope a space of about three acres in 
extent was literally one mass of Gannets, there being tens of thousands. Captain Fairchild, who has 
visited the island on many occasions, says that he found an almost incredible number breeding there, 
the separate nests being indicated by a few loose feathers placed on the guano-deposits in every 
available spot. Each nest contained only a single egg, and there were no idle mates, the male and 
female occupying nests side by side. He states that this bird breeds twice in the season first in 
September and again in February. Both sexes incubate, and at one and the same time ; foi every 
Gannet on the island was found sitting, and so close together that to walk amongst them was almost 
impossible. At the second breeding-time, in February, a young bird of the former brood, easily dis- 
tinguished by its spotted plumage, is invariably found squatting alongside of the incubator. He has 
often watched the old birds bringing food to the nest. They come in from the sea with their pouched 
throats quite full of small fish, which they forthwith disgorge and divide between the young ones. 
The operation is a very droll one, and maybe watched at a distance of only a few yards from the nest.” 

Captain Fairchild has himself furnished me with the following interesting account of their 
breeding-habits : — 

“ The habits of the Gannet are so very strange that it may interest you if I give the results of 
my own experience with these birds. So far as I am aware, their only breeding-places off the coast 
of New Zealand are on Gannet Island, lying to the east, on some small islands in the Hauraki Gulf, 
near Coromandel and near to the Great Barrier, and on White Island in the Bay of Plenty. At all 
these places the birds congregate in great numbers. They commence laying about the 18th 
September, and it takes about thirty-three days to hatch out the young. The female lays two eggs ; 
she keeps one and the male bird takes charge of the other, and each one hatches its own and after- 
wards looks after the wants of the young one. About the 1st February the same thing is repeated. 
The second hatching takes place about the first week in March. I hardly think that there can 
possibly be a mistake in this, as I have carefully watched the habits of these birds during the last 
twenty years, whenever an opportunity offered. 

There are evidently two broods in a season, for Captain Fairchild assures me that in every 
instance— and he examined hundreds of nests— where the old bird was covering an egg or a 
chick a well-grown young one, in spotted plumage, was sitting alongside, resting its beak on the 
parent’s shoulder, and on the least provocation showing fight in defence of the nursery. The old 
birds obstinately refused to quit their nests even when hustled and kicked with the foot ; and when 
thus molested, fought viciously, striking at the intruder with their powerful bills, and inflicting sharp 
cuts on the hand if incautiously placed too near. On his return from one of his annual cruises among 
the islands lying off New Zealand, he sent me a whole basketful of the eggs of this fine Gannet. This 
was about the first week in February, and as most of the eggs contained a well-advanced embryo, this 
would indicate a comparatively early date for the second brood. They varied somewhat in size, but 
an ordinary example measured 3 inches in length by 1'8 in breadth. They were, for the most part, 
very elliptical in form, and of a pale greenish colour, covered over with a chalky incrustation and 
much soiled. 

The eggs when taken from the nest are soiled and begrimed with dirt from the bird’s feet or 
from contact with the ground, having then a dark brown colour. On being cleaned by scrubbing 
with a wet brush, they present a chalky surface, often much scratched by the action of the bird s 
feet ; and on this being scraped off the shell becomes dull bluish white, which changes to a lovely 
pale blue tint on the inner surface. 


Oedee STEGANOPODES.] 


[Eam. PELECANIDA2. 


TACHYPETES AQUILA. 

(GEEAT FEIGATE BIED.) 


The Man-qf-War Bird, Edwards, Gleanings, vi. p. 209, pi. 309 (1760). 
Pelecanus aquilm, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 216 (1766). 

Frigate Pelican, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 587 (1785). 

White-headed Frigate Pelican, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p, 591 (1785). 
Palmerston Frigate Pelican, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 593 (1785). 
Pelecanus leucocegghalus, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 572 (1788). 

Pelecanus palmerstoni , Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 573 (1788). 

Fregata aguila, Illiger, Prodr. p. 279 (1811). 

Tachypetes aguila, Vieill. N. Diet. d’Hist. Nat. xii. p. 143 (1817). 
Tachypetes aguilus, Kittl. Kupf. Vog. p. 15, taf. xx. fig. 1 (1832). 
Tachypetes leucocephalus, Kittl. Kupf. Vog. p. 15, taf. xx. fig. 2 (1832). 
Atagen aguila. Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 669 (1845). 

Tackypetes palmerstoni, Cass. U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 359 (1858). 

Fregata aguila, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 339 (1873). 


Native names. — Hokioi and Hakuwai. 


Exempt, ex N. Z. Nigricans, plumis versus apicem brunnescentibus et sub cert^ luce chalybeo nitentibus : tectricibus 
alarum brunnescente late terminatis, mecliauis albido marginatis : remigibus nigris, secundariis sordide 
olivascenti-brunneis et pallidiore brunneo terminatis : rectricibus nigris brunneo marginatis, seapis albis : 
pileo et cello undique cum pectore anteriore albis, hdc pallide ferrugineo lavato : pectore laterali cum tibiis, 
crisso, subcaudalibus et subalaribus brunnescenti-nigris : abdomine tote albo : rostro cinerascente, ungue 
corneo versus apicem nigro : pedibus carneo-brunneis : iride nigrS,. 

New-Zealand specimen {immature). Head, greater portion of neck, and a broad continuation with its apex on the 
fore part of the breast white, stained with fawn-colour on the fore neck and breast ; a broad triangular patch 
of white covering the whole of the abdomen ; the rest of the body-plumage brownish black, with dull steel 
reflexions, and strongly tinged on the upper surface with umber-brown ; the upper wing-coverts are broadly- 
edged with pale brown, and the central ones margined with white, forming a conspicuous band from the 
bend of the wing to the roots of the inner secondaries, which are dark olivaceous-brown in their whole 
extent, tipped with paler brown ; wing-feathers black, with faint steel-blue reflexions, the scapulars margined 
with brown ; tail-feathers black, with white shafts, also margined with brown. Irides black ; bill greyish, 
changing to horn-colour on the unguis, and black at the tip ; feet flesh-hro-wn. Total length 39 inches ; 
extent of -wings 82; wing, from flexure, 24; tail 16 (the middle feather 9 inches shorter) ; bill, along the 
ridge 5, along the edge of lower mandible 5 ; middle toe and claw 3*5 ; hind toe and claw 1. 

Remarks. The form of this bird is beautifully adapted to its habits of life. As will be seen from the above 
description, the wings measure nearly seven feet in extent ; moreover they are strongly built, the shaft of 
the first primary measuring a quarter of an inch in width by one eighth in thickness throughout its lower 
portion. The first primary is longest, and the rest are rapidly graduated ; the long inner secondaries reach 
to within five inches of the former in the closed wing. The tail is long and deeply forked ; the lateral tail- 
feathers are acuminate in form, with rounded tips ; the median ones are broader. The feet are small and 


183 


feeble j tbe outer toe is '5 of an inch, longer than the inner one ; the claw on the middle toe measures 
an inch in lengthy and is pectinate on its inner side ; the hind claw is small, rather broad, and abruptly 
arched ; the lateral claws are equal, and slightly larger than the hind one ; the interdigital web is deeply 
cut, and terminates at the third joint of the middle toe. 


So far as I am aware there is only one recorded instance of the occurrence of this “Vulture of the 
sea,” as it has been appropriately termed, on the New-Zealand coast. In February 1863 a fine 
specimen was taken alive at Castle Point, on the east coast of the Wellington Province, and forwarded 
to Mr. George Moore, who very generously presented it to me ; and this unique example, of which a 
description is given above, is now with the rest of my original collection in the Colonial Museum. 
I was unable at the time to get any information about it, beyond the mere fact of its having been 
brought in alive by a party of natives, who had been on a fishing excursion ; but, several years afterwards, 
when travelling through another portion of the province, I happened to meet with the native who 
had actually caught it. He said he was fishing near Eangiwhakaoma, when he observed a strange 
bird sitting on the rocks apparently asleep : creeping stealthily up, he succeeded in catching 
it with his hands. It made no attempt to escape; but, on being captured, attacked his hands 
fiercely with its powerful bill. He stated further that a similar bird had been killed by the natives 
at Ihuraua, on the same line of coast, a short time before, and that all who had seen it pronounced 
this the true “ Hokioi ” of Maori tradition — a long-winged bird that is supposed to soar in the 
heavens, far above the range of human vision, and to descend to the shore at night to feed on shell- 
fish. Sir George Grey is of opinion that the extinct New-Zealand Eagle {Harpagornis moorei) was 
the bird to which the tradition relates, and he may be right in this conjecture. On the other hand, 
it is not improbable that the wonderful powers of flight possessed by the Frigate bird gave rise to this 
well-known story of the “ Hokioi and the enormous expanse of its wings would seem almost to 
warrant the most extravagant belief. On this subject thus graphically writes Audubon, the American 
ornithologist : — 

“ The Frigate Pelican is possessed of a power of flight which I conceive superior to that of 
perhaps any other bird. However swiftly the Cayenne Tern, the smaller Gulls, or the Jager move 
on wing, it seems a matter of mere sport to it to overtake any of them. The Goshawk, the Peregrine, 
and the Gyr Falcon, which I conceive to be the swiftest of our Hawks, are obliged to pursue their 
victim, should it be a Green-winged Teal or Passenger Pigeon, at times for half a mile, at the highest 
pitch of their speed, before they can secure them. The bird of which I speak comes from on high 
with the velocity of a meteor, and on nearing the object of its pursuit, which its keen eye has spied 
while fishing at a distance, darts on either side to cut off all retreat, and with open bill forces it to 
drop or disgorge the fish which it has just caught. See him now ! Fonder, over the waves, leaps 
the brilliant dolphin, as he pursues the flyingfishes, which he expects to seize the moment they drop 
into the water. The Frigate bird, who has marked them, closes his wings, dives towards them, and, 
now ascending, holds one of the tiny things across his bill. Already fifty yards above the sea, he 
spies a porpoise in full chase, launches towards the spot, and in passing seizes the mullet that has 
escaped from its dreaded foe. I observed a Frigate Pelican that had forced a Cayenne Tern, yet in 
sight, to drop a fish, which the broad-winged warrior had seized as it fell. This fish was rather large 
for the Tern, and might probably be about 8 inches in length. The Frigate Pelican mounted with it 
across his bill about a hundred yards, and then tossing it up caught it as it fell, but not in the proper 
manner. He therefore dropped it, but before it had fallen many yards caught it again. Still it was 
not in a good position, the weight of the head, it seemed, having prevented the bird from seizing it 
by that part. A second time the fish was thrown upwards, and now, at last, was received in a conve- 
nient manner (that is, with its head downwards), and immediately swallowed.” 


184 


It would seem that this species frequents all the seas of the warmer parts of the globe, and 
especially the Tropics, assembling in large flocks during the breeding-season, and dispersing over the 
wide ocean again as soon as the parental obligations are discharged. Their food consists of young 
turtles, cuttle-fish, crabs, and fish of all kinds. Being furnished with a capacious and expansive pouch 
they are able to stow away in a convenient manner all they can seize by way of plunder quite irre- 
spective of their immediate wants. 

Audubon found them breeding in large numbers in the Gulf of Mexico and on the Florida Keys ; 
and he has given us the following interesting account, which further illustrates the amazing power of 
wing already mentioned : — “ About the middle of May (a period which to me appeared very late for 
birds found in so warm a climate as that of the Florida Keys), the Frigate Pelicans assemble in flocks 
of from fifty to five hundred pairs or more. They are seen flying at a great height over the islands on 
which they have bred many previous seasons, courting for hours together ; after which they return 
towards the mangroves, alight on them, and at once begin to repair the old nests or construct new 
ones. They pillage each other’s nests of their materials, and make excursions for more to the nearest 
keys. They break the dry twigs of trees with ease, passing swiftly on wing, and snapping them off 
by a single grasp of their powerful bill. It is indeed a beautiful sight to see them when thus occupied, 
especially when several are so engaged, passing and repassing with the swiftness of thought over the 
trees whose tops are blasted ; their purpose appears as if accomplished by magic. It sometimes 
happens that the bird accidentally drops a stick Avhile travelling towards its nest, when, if this should 
happen over the water, it plunges after it and seizes it with its bill before it has reached the waves.” 

For a long period the only knowledge we possessed of the Frigate bird was that afforded by those 
who had voyaged in the tropical seas and studied the bird in its distant haunts ; but in the early part 
of 1871 a pair of live ones, the gift of Captain Dow, were received at the Zoological Society’s Gardens ; 
and home naturalists had thus an opportunity of studying this remarkable form in a living state. 
But when I first looked on these captives, moping gloomily on their perch, with a mere dish of water 
beneath them, and their noble wings folded up in languid misery, I could not help pitying from my 
very heart these captives from the ocean, w'hose fate seemed almost harder than that of the “ lord of 
the plains ” on the opposite side of the Gardens, condemned to pass his life within an iron railing only 
ten feet square ! From observing the Frigate bird under such circumstances it is impossible to form 
any adequate idea of what it is in a state of nature, where its whole individuality depends on its 
wonderful speed, its long powers of endurance, and the graceful aerial evolutions it is able to perform. 
Audubon, who was familiar with it in its native element, gave a spirited drawing of it dashing head- 
long through the air in pursuit of its quarry. In the ‘Field’ of September 23, 1871, there is an 
equally characteristic figure of the same bird as it was then to be seen in the Gardens (accompanied 
by an excellent description)— resting moodily on its feet, with the wings drooping, and the head 
drawn closely in upon the shoulders. 


Oedek STEGA^^OPODES.] 


[Fam. PELECANID^. 


TACHYPETES MINOR 

(SMALL FEIGATE BIRD.) 


Lesser Frigate Pelican, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 590 (1785). 

Pelecanus minor, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 572 (1788). 

Tachypetes minor, Vieill. N. Diet. d’Hist. Nat. xii. p. 144 (1817). 

Atagen arid. Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 669, pi. 104 (1845, ex Gould MSS.). 

Fregata minor, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 342 (1873). 

Exempl. ex N. Z. Nigricans, plus minusve purpureo et viridi nitens : dorsi plumis elongatis lanceolatis et pectore 
laterali nitide viridibus aut purpurascentibus : teotricibus alarum cum hypocliondriis bruuneo tinctis : 
remigibus caudaque nigris, scapis rectricum exteriorum albis : rostro nigricanti-cano : plaga gulari laete 
rubral, flavo tincta : pedibus brunnescenti-rubris ; iride nigr^. 

New-Zealand specimen. General plumage black with bluish metallic reflexions, more or less distinct ; the long 
lanceolate feathers of the back and on the sides of the breast brilliant, and changing from purple to green, 
according to the light ; upper wing-coverts and sides of the body tinged with brown ; quills and tail-feathers 
black, the shafts of the outermost tail-feathers white. Irides black ; bill blackish grey ; a bare membrane, 
an inch wide, and extending five inches down the throat, bright red tinged more or less with yellow ; feet 
brownish red. Total length 36 inches ; wing, from flexure, 23 ; tail, to middle of fork 7’25, to end of lateral 
feathers 15 ; bill, along the ridge 4‘25, along the edge of lower mandible 3'6 ; greatest width of bill at the 
base l‘l ; middle toe and claw 2'75 ; hind toe and claw 1. 


This smaller species of Frigate bird, which roams over the seas washing the shores of the more 
tropical parts of Australia, has occurred at least once as a straggler on the New-Zealand coast, and is 
therefore entitled to a place in our list. A fine adult male was taken on the Wakapuaka beach in 
the early part of 1861 ; and the skin, which was fortunately preserved, now forms part of the collection 
of birds in the Nelson Museum. 

Mr. Gould states that this species of Frigate bird is very abundant in Torres Strait ; and the late 
Commander Ince, E.N., who, during the voyage of H.M.S ‘Fly,’ was for some time stationed on 
Kaiue’s Islet, superintending the erection of a beacon there, has given the following interesting 
particulars as the result of his own observations on this unfrequented rock: — “ We found this bird 
breeding in colonies at its S.W. comer, the nest being composed of a few small sticks collected from 
the shrubs and herbaceous plants, which alone clothe the island, and placed either on the ground or 
on the plants a few inches above it. The eggs, which are generally one, but occasionally two in 
number, are of a pure white, not so chalky in appearance as those of the Gannet, and nearly of the 
same shape at both ends. Upon one occasion I killed the old birds from a nest that contained a 
young one ; on visiting the spot I found the young bird removed to another nest, the proprietors of 
which were feeding it as if it had been their own ; I am sure of this fact, because there was no other 
nest near it containing two young birds.” 


2 B 


VOL. n. 


Order STEGANOPODES.] 


[Eam. PHAETHONID^. 


PHAETHON EUBEICATJDA. 

(RED-TAILED TROPIC BIRD.) 


Phaeton mhricauda, Bodd. Tabl. PI. Enl. p. 57 (1783). 

Bed-tailed Tropic Bird, Lath. Gen. Syn. vol. hi. pt. 2, p. 618 (1785). 
Phaeton phcenicur os, Gmel. Syst. Nat. vol. ii. p. 583 (1788). 

Phaeton aethereus, Bloxh. Voy. Blonde, App. p. 251 (1826). 
Phcenicuros ruhricauda, Bonap. Consp. vol. ii. p. 183 (1857). 

Phaeton phcenicurws, Gonld, Handb. B. of Austr. ii. p. 501 (1865). 
Phaethon ruhricauda, Salvin, Cat. Strickl. Coll. p. 511 (1882), 


Exempt, ex N. Z. Omnino sericeo-albus, rosaceo-tinctus : remigibus concoloribus fuscis ; regione ocnlari nigra, 
antice semilunat^, postice longitudinaliter products ; rectricibus duabus intermediis longissimis intense 
mbris, scapis nigris : rostro rubro : pcdibus flavis, membranis interdigitalibus nigris. 

New-Zealand specimen. General plumage silky or satiny white, with a delicate roseate or salmon tint over the 
entire surface ; a lunate spot of velvety black in front of the eyes, and a broken streak of the same above 
and beyond them ; on the flanks and under tail-coverts some of the feathers largely centred with slaty 
black, leaving on the sides an even, narrow margin of white, which broadens at the tip. The scapulars have 
their shafts black in their basal portion ; so have the outer secondaries ; on the long inner secondaries the 
black spreads into a broad irregular stripe down the centre of each feather, running olF to a fine point about 
half an inch from the tip. The two middle tail-feathers are white at the base, with a black central streak, 
but at a distance of two inches from the root the webs suddenly contract, and these feathers are then pro- 
duced, to a length of thirteen inches beyond the cuneiform tail, as rigid bright red plumes with black shafts, 
and becoming somewhat paler at the tips ; the lateral tail-feathers also have black shafts, changing to white 
an inch from the tips. Bill bright coral-red, shaded with brown in the nasal groove ; legs and feet black, as 
is also the entire skin of the bird under the feathers. Total length (without the elongated tail-plumes) 21 
inches ; wing, from flexure, 13 ; tail 4 (to end of central plumes, 17) ; bill, along the ridge 2’5, along the 
edge of lower mandible 3'3 ; tarsus 1 ; middle toe and claw 2'25. 

Young. Silky white, without any of the roseate blush mentioned above ; the whole of the upper surface broadly 
barred with black ; the primaries having the black of their shafts expanded into a spatulate form at the tips. 


In the list of the Birds of New Zealand compiled by Mr. G. R. Gray and published in ‘ The Ibis ’ 
for July 1862, the Red-tailed Tropic bird was included among the species of Pelecanidae, the habitat 
assigned being Norfolk and Nepean Islands. On the publication of my ‘Essay on the Ornithology of 
New Zealand ’ (1865), in the absence of any positive evidence of its occurrence in our seas, I decided 
to omit this bird from our list of species, and it was struck out accordingly. 

It was re-introduced by myself in 1878*, on the authority of a specimen received from the late 
Mr. Henry Mair, and now in my collection. This bird (apparently a male in full plumage) is the one 
described at the head of this article. It was shot by Mr. Mair from the deck of a schooner during a 
calm, off the Three Kings, a group of islets a few miles north of New Zealand, the furthermost 


* Traus. N.-Z. Inst. vol. x. pp. 219, 220. 


187 


southern limit yet recorded for this eminently tropical species. A boat was lowered and the prize 
picked up and successfully skinned. 

I never handle this specimen without being reminded of Charles Waterton’s touching story, as 
related in his ‘ Essays on Natural History,’ 1st series, p. 291 

“ The burning zone, in which the ancients have placed the zodiac, is the favourite resort of this 
solitary wanderer of the deep. . . . Far, far away from land, where the Atlantic waves roll beneath 
the northern tropic, our mariners are often favoured with a view of the bird which I am about to 
describe. The total absence of all other winged inhabitants of the air, save now and then a Mother 
Carey’s Chicken, renders the appearance of Phaeton very interesting in this sequestered region of the 
deep ; and every soul on board hastens to get a glance at him, as he wings his lonely way through 
the liquid void .... In my passage home across the Atlantic, on board the ‘ Dee, l(Vest Indiaman, 
commanded by Captain Gray, we saw Phaeton sitting on the wave, within gunshot of the ship— a 
rare occurrence. I fired at him with effect, and as he lay lifeless on the water, I said (without any 
expectation of recovering the bird), ‘ A guinea for him who will fetch the bird to me.’ The vessel 
was then going smartly through the water. A Danish sailor, who was standing on the forecastle, 
instantly plunged into the sea with all his clothes on, and swam towards the bird. Our people ran 
aft, to lower down the jolly-boat, but it was filled with lumber, and had been well secured with 
lashings for the passage home. Our poor Dane was now far astern ; and in our attempt to tack ship, 
she missed stays, and we were obliged to wear her. In the meantime, we all expected that the Dane 
had gone down into Davy’s locker. But, at last, we fortunately came up with him ; and we found 
him buffeting the waves, with the dead bird in his mouth. I dissected it, and prepared it, and have 
kept it ever since, nor do I intend that it shall leave my house, as the sight often brings to my 
remembrance an occurrence of uncommon interest, now long gone by ; for it is twenty years a,nd 
more since I received the Tropic Bird from the cold and trembling hand of our adventurous Dane.” 

The bird is well known to the Ngapuhi tribe at the north, under the name of Amokura, and 
they set a high value on the long red tail-feathers, which they exchange with the southern tribes for 
greenstone. Almost every year, after the prevalence of easterly gales, some specimens are washed 
ashore (generally dead) at the North Cape or in Spirits Bay. The natives of that district go out 
systematically to hunt for them at these periods. Owing to their rarity these plumes are more 
prized than those of the Huia or Kotuku, and in one instance a valuable slab of pounamu was given 
by a Hawke’s Bay chief in exchange for three feathers, one of which is now in the possession of the 
Manawatu natives. The allusion is to this bird in the love-song of the fairies, commencing 

Come, dock my head 
With amokura plumes *. 

Mr. Gould, who has figured the species with his usual skill in ‘ The Birds of Australia, states 
that it “ is very generally dispersed over the temperate and warmer latitudes of the Indian Ocean 
and the South Seas, where it often hovers round ships, and occasionally alights on their rigging. 
During the months of August and September it retires to various islands for the purpose of breeding ; 
among'’ other places selected for the performance of this duty are Norfolk Island off the east coast of 
Australia, and Eaine’s Islet in Torres Strait, from both of which localities I possess specimens of the 

* Kiatia taku rang! 

Te kapu o te amokura 
Tikapa o te hau 
0 kotuku te rang! 

Kati nei ano 
Aku rang! ki te iioko 
He pakinga ra tahi 
Ka wkana tu ai au, e-i. 


2b 2 


188 


bird and its eggs.” It is not unusual to meet with it in the Bay of Bengal and about the Andamans 
and Nicobars ; and it is known to breed in the neighbourhood of the Mauritius. It occurs also in 
Aneiteum, where its tail-feathers are much prized by the natives, who call it “ Intoneg ” *. 

I have noticed in passing through the tropical seas that, as compared with the South Pacific 
(the great nursery, so to speak, of the Petrel family), these placid waters are singularly destitute of 
bird-life ; indeed for a whole day together, sometimes, there is no animate sign except the feverish 
movements of the little flying-fish which are perpetually rising out of the water, fluttering a few 
yards in a direct line, and then dropping out of sight with a tiny splash, or, during a perfect calm, the 
appearance of thousands of “ Portuguese men-of-war ” (the pretty blue Physalis) floating listlessly on 
the bosom of the deep. It is pleasant at such a time to descry a “ Straw-tail ” or “ Boatswain-bird ” 
(by which names the sailoi's call the Phaethon) hovering in the sky far above the masthead or flying 
around the ship. I saw one for a short time in the full heat of the Tropics (lat. 11° S., long. 24° 21' 
W.). It hovered over our steamer with a rapid flapping of the wings, as if making an inspection, 
and then, ascending high in the air, made a swift sweep far over the ocean and we saw it no more. 

Mr. Macgillivray, who obtained several on Eaine’s Islet in the month of June, gives the following 
account : — “ Upon one occasion three were observed performing sweeping flights over and about the 
island, and soon afterwards one of them alighted. Keeping my eye upon the spot, I ran up and 
found a male bird in a hole under the low shelving margin of the island bordering the beach, and 
succeeded in capturing it after a short scufile, during which it snapped at me with its beak, and 
uttered a loud, harsh, and oft-repeated croak. It makes no nest, but deposits its two eggs on the bare 
floor of the hole, and both sexes assist in the task of incubation. It usually returns from sea about 
noon, soaring high in the air and wheeling round in circles before alighting. The eggs are blotched 
and speckled with brownish red on a pale reddish-grey ground, and are two inches three-eighths long 
by one inch four-eighths-and-a-half broad. The contents of the stomach consisted of beaks of cuttle- 
fish. The only outward sexual difference that 1 could detect consists in the more decided roseate 
blush upon the plumage of the male, especially on the back ; but this varies slightly in intensity in 
different individuals of the same sex, and fades considerably in a preserved skin.” 

Dr. Crowfoot writes (Ibis, 1885, p, 268) ; — “This bird breeds on Norfolk Island, Nepean Island, 
and Phillip Island, but the last-mentioned island is its principal resort, and here it may be counted by 
hundreds. It lays its single egg on ledges of rock, in cracks of the cliffs, under overhanging boulders, 
and in such-like situations. The bird defends its nest with its strong beak, and may be easily caught 
on the nest. On Norfolk Island the eggs are difficult to get, but on Phillip Island they may be 
readily obtained. The young Tropic-bird is a curious-looking object, being completely covered with 
thick snow-white down. The eggs vary in length from 2‘66 inches to 2’85, and in breadth from 1-75 
inches to 2T6. They have a reddish-brown ground-colour, and are covered all over with fine dark 
reddish and violet-brown markings. Some have the colouring-matter apparently partially 
washed off.” 

The best account I have seen of the nesting-habits of this bird is that given by the Earl of 
Pembroke in his little book of adventures in the South Pacific, already cited. I have examined a 
large series of eggs collected on Lord Howe’s Island, and found them differing in shape from a thick 
ovoid to a long ovoido-conical form, and varying in colour from pale stone-grey, minutely freckled 
with darker grey to a splashed brown surface, as rich in colouring as a Merlin’s egg. Two specimens 
in my son’s collection from that locality are of equal size, measuring 2-8 inches in length by 1'8 in 
breadth ; one of them is greyish white, marbled at the larger end and dotted and freckled all over 
with brown, whilst the other is splashed, dotted and marked over its entire surface with reddish 
brown of a uniform shade. 

* “ The Tropic Bird is very common in the Islands ; the beautiful rose-coloured tail-feathers are largely esteemed by the 
natives, who pull them from the birds as they sit in their nests .” — Bloooham (1. c.). 



J.G. K EULE. W ANS DEL* &LITH 


Judo &.C? LIMITED, IMP 


WANDERING ALBATROS. 


DIOMEDEA EXULANS 


(ONE'FIFTH NATURAL SIZE) 












\ 



Oeder TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLAEIIDiE. 


DIOMEDEA EXULANS. 

(WANDERING ALBATROS.) 


Uiomedea exulans, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 214 (1766). 

Diomedea alhatrns, Pall. Spic. Zool. fasc. v. p, 28 (1769). 

Chocolate Albatros, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 309 (1785). 

L' Alhatros du Cap de Bonne Bsp6rance, Buff. PI. Enl. x. pi. 237 (1786). 

Diomedea spadicea, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 568 (1788, ex Lath.). 

Diomedea adusta, Tschudi, J. f. 0. 1856, p. 157. 

Native name. — Toroa. 

Ad. albus : interscapulio indistincte bruniieo fasciatim vermiculato : tectricibus alarum nigris vix brunnescentibus, 
majoribus intcrioribus plus minusve albis, margine carpal! albo et brunneo vario : remigibus brunnescenti- 
nigris, apicem versus pallklioribus, scapis flavicanti-albidis : scapularibus albis, ad apicem nigris : dorso 
postico et uropygio, supracaudalibus caud^que albis, hac nigro apicat^, rectricibus exterioribus basaliter 
brunneo irregulariter transvermiculatis : subtus pure albus, pectore indistincte brunneo veriniculatim 
fasciato : rostro albido, carnoso vix tineto, ad apicem flavicanti-corneo : pedibus carneo-albicantibus : iride 
saturate brunnea : annulo ophthalmico viridi-purpurascente. 

Juv. suprk fuliginoso-brunneus : alis caudaque fuliginoso-nigris, scapis flavicanti-albis, versus apicem nigris : fronte 
cum facie lateral! et gutture pure albis : subtus fuliginoso-brunneus, abdomine magis cinerascente : sub- 
alaribus et axillaribus albis, his versus apicem brunneo vermiculatis : rostro albicanti-corneo : pedibus 
albicanti-carneis : iride nigricanti-brunne^. 

Adult. General plumage pure white ; the feathers of the back and those composing the mantle crossed more or 
less with narrow wavy lines of brown ; the breast and sides of the body obscurely freckled and vermiculated 
with pale brown ; upper surface of wings blackish brown, varied with pale brown and white along the edges, 
and with an extensive patch of white on the humeral flexure ; primaries brownish black, with paler tips and 
yellowish-white shafts ; secondaries brownish black, largely marked with white on their inner webs ; scapulars 
white on their basal portion, black towards the tips ; tail-feathers largely marked with black in their apical 
portion, and the outer ones more or less vermiculated with brown ; lining of wings and under tail-coverts 
pure white. Irides rich dark brown ; bare eyelids greenish purple ; bill white, with a pinky tinge, yellowish 
hom-eoloured at the tip ; legs and feet flesh- white, sometimes with a pinky tinge. Total length 42' 5 inches ; 
wing, from carpal flexure, 24 ; tail 8' 5 ; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 7 ; length of lower 
mandible 6; depth of bill at the base 2'5 ; bare tibia 1'5 ; tarsus 5 ; middle toe and claw 6‘5 ; greatest width 
of expanded foot 6'5. 

Obs. The measurements given above are those of an ordinary-sized bird captured off the New-Zealand coast by 
the seamen of H.M.S. 'Virago;’ the size, however, is variable, and much larger examples are sometimes 
taken. For example, I saw in the possession of the first mate of the steamboat ' Stella ’ the head and neck 
of one of extremely large size, with the whole plumage of the purest white, the bill of which gave the 
following measurements : — Length from gape to tip 6’5 inches j following curvature of upper mandible 8'5 ; 
and along edge of lower mandible 6'5. 

Professor Hutton gives for this species an ” average breadth across the wdngs of 10 feet, the smallest 
being 9 feet and the largest 12 feet”; another writer mentions having measured one which yielded an 
extreme extent, from tip to tip, of 17 feet. My largest, however, is barely 14 feet across. 


190 


It may be observed that, soon after death, the lower jjart of the bill, the legs, and the feet change to a 
delicate purplish colour from congestion of the blood in the small vessels, and ultimately become yellow or 
yellowish brown in the dried specimen. 

Young. A narrow band across the forehead and the whole of the face, sides of the head, and throat pure white ; 
crown of the head, nape, neck all round, and the entire body-plumage deep slate-grey, washed more or less 
with brown and darker on the npper surface, the feathers composing the mantle having pale brown margins ; 
the whole of the upper surface of the wings uniform blackish brown; rump and upper tail-coverts slaty brown 
with darker margins ; primaries and tail-feathers black, the shafts and the inner webs becoming greyish white 
in their concealed basal portion ; lining of wings and long axillary plumes pure white, the latter with delicate 
vermiculations of sooty brown near the tips. Irides brownish black; bill white horn-colour; legs and feet 
flesh-white. 

Ohs. The white patch on the face is very distinct, with well-defined edges ; it fills the whole region in front of 
the eyes, crosses the forehead along the base of the mandible, and passing well over the eyes extends beyond 
them almost to the ears, where it forms a sharp angle, and then, sweeping back over the cheeks, spreads 
downwards and expands so as to cover the whole of the throat. 

Nestling. Covered with pure white down. 

Progress towards maturity. As it takes a considerable time to attain the fully adult plumage, birds are to be 
met with in every intermediate stage, and are often very beautifully barred and freckled with dark brown, 
especially on the upper parts and sides of the body. In very old birds the wavy markings described above 
diminish considerably or entirely disappear. 

I have before me a fine series (now in my collection) showing the transitions of plumage through which 
this bird passes before it attains to the adult livery. 

No. 1 is a more advanced stage than the “ young ” described above. The whole of the plumage is many 
shades lighter ; the white on the face is more extensive, the narrow frontal band expanding to the width of an 
inch, and the patch extending beyond the throat halfway down the neck, still, however, preserving its charac- 
teristic form with a pretty well-defined outline ; the crown, hind neck, shoulders, and mantle darker brown, 
with very pale brown margins ; rump and tail-coverts uniform slaty brown ; upper surface of wings brownish 
black, the small coverts tipped with pale brown ; primaries and tail-feathers brownish black ; lower portion 
of fore neck, breast, and underparts generally dark chocolate- brown with bi’oad huffy margins, having a 
pretty wavy appearance on the sides of the breast, becoming lighter and more mixed on the abdomen, and 
darkening to blackish brown on the under tail-coverts ; the whole of the inner lining of wings and the 
axillary plumes pure white, the latter with pretty grey vermiculations, more or less distinct, towards the 
tips. This bird (which is probably a female) is undergoing a change of plumage ; the old, brown feathers 
composing the mantle have worn and abraded tips fading into huffy white ; and the new feathers are of a 
uniform slaty grey, with only a faint indication of margin. On the sides of the body and mixed with the 
dull brown plumage are likewise some new feathers, which are white, thickly freckled in a wavy manner with 
grey. Bill uniform yellowish horn-colour, changing to bright yellow on the unguis, which has a bluish patch 
at the base. Bill 6‘5 inches, following curvature 7'5. 

No. 2 has still lighter plumage ; the outline of the white patch disappears on the throat, merging into 
the brown plumage of the breast through a delicate shade of buff ; and the ground plumage being paler, the 
wavy light brown markings on the breast are not so conspicuous ; the feathers of the shoulders and mantle 
have broad margins of pale brown, many of them much abraded, and there is a strong wash of brown on the 
rump and tail-coverts ; the plumage of the underparts is likewise much lighter, becoming almost white on 
the abdomen. Judging by its large size this bird is a male. Bill from gape to tip 7 inches, followino- 
curvature of upper mandible 8 ; wing, from first flexure, 27 ; tail 8-75 ; tarsus 4-5. 

No. 3 is lighter on the underparts than No. 1, and with the white on the throat not so well defined 
although forming a distinct hood over the eyes ; hind neck, shoulders, and mantle much paler brown a few 
scattered white feathers with rayed markings appearing among the smaller scapulars; upper surface of wings 
and tail blackish brown ; sides of the body and under tail-coverts much vermiculated ; lining of wings and 
axillary plumes pure wdiite. Bill 6‘25, following curvature 7'75. 


191 


No. 4 has the vertex and erown dark brown ; the throat, collar, and hind neck creamy white with pale 
brown patches on the former ; mantle dark brown, each feather paler at the extremity, but with numerous 
scattered white feathers distinctly vermiculated ; upper surface of wings and tail uniform blackish brown ; 
underparts of the body pale brown mixed with darker, and delicately vermiculated ; under tail-coverts dark 
brown, with a single white feather covered with dusky rays. Bill 6‘5 inches, following curvature 8. 

No. 5 has the crown dark brown, fading away on the nape ; back, rump, and upper tail-coverts white, 
beautifully barred and vermiculated with blackish brown; wings and tail brownish black; throat and 
entire fore neck pure white ; breast and sides covered with freckles and minute vcrmiculate markings of 
grey. Bill 5'5 inches, following curvature 6‘75. 

' No. 6 is similar to No. 4, but having more of the scattered white feathers, covered with vermiculation 
on the shoulders and mantle, presenting a highly variegated appearance ; with a darker crown it has the 
hind neck very pale, and there are no white feathers among the under tail-coverts. Bill 6’25 inches, 
following curvature 7 '75. 

No. 7 (which is probably a female) has very nearly attained the adult plumage, as described above. 
The Avhite of the throat extends to the breast, having only a wash of brown on the lower fore neck ; crown 
and nape uniform brown ; the rest of the body-plumage white ; mantle, back, rump, and upper tail-coverts 
with some plain brown feathers intermixed and closely rayed and vermiculated with brown; the breast is 
thickly freckled or mottled, and the sides of the body, flanks, and under tail-eoverts rayed irregularly with 
brownish grey ; on the lower breast and above the vent these markings fade away, and the abdomen is pure 
white. Bill 5’75 inches, follow'ing curvature 6‘75. 

No. 8. The brown markings have almost entirely disappeared from the neck, there being only a slight 
wash of brown on the nape ; the crown is still brown, but not so dark as in the last. The white face is 
tolerably distinct, the white covering the fore neck and extending to the breast, which is crossed with delicate 
vermiculations and freckles, these becoming fainter towards the abdomen till they fade away altogether ; 
under tail-coverts freckled and vermiculated in their whole extent ; lining of wings and axillaries pure white, 
the innermost of the latter faintly marked and clouded with grey ; the whole of the back, mantle, rump, and 
upper tail-coverts closely vermiculated and freckled with greyish brown, presenting, however, a very different 
appearance to the wavy zigzag lines which adorn another example to be presently described; upper surface 
of wings and tail brownish black. Still there is the distinguishing feature of immaturity in the upper surface 
of the wings and tail being brownish black. Bill yellowish horn-colour. 

No. 9. Crown of the head chocolate-brown, fading away on the nape; forehead, face, sides of the head, 
throat, and neck all round white, but exhibiting a wash of brown on the sides and hind neck ; shoulders, 
mantle, back, rump, and upper tail-coverts white, thickly mottled and vermiculated with greyish brown, the 
markings being larger and more pronounced on the upper tail-covcrts ; entire upper surface of wings and 
tail brownish black, the shafts of the primaries being yellowish white with darkened tips ; underparts white, 
the whole of the breast thickly freckled and speckled, the sides of the body, flanks, and under tail-coverts 
speckled and vermiculated with greyish brown, these delicate markings fading insensibly away towards the 
abdomen ; inner lining of wings and axillary plumes spotless white, excepting only some of the inferior 
plumes, which are faintly freckled and clouded with grey. Irides rich dark brown ; bare eyelids greenish 
purple ; bill white, with a pinky tinge, yellowish horn-coloured at the tips of both mandibles ; legs and feet 
flesh-white, with a tinge of pink. 

No. 10. This fine example, w'hich furnishes the front figure in my Plate of this species, has the general 
plumage pure white ; the vertex, nape, and the whole of the breast obscurely freckled and rayed with dark 
grey ; sides of the body and flanks with delicate vermiculations of the same colour ; shoulders, mantle, back, 
rump, and upper tail-covcrts silky white, covered with narrow transverse zigzag bars of greyish brown, 
producing a very pretty effect ; on the scapulary-coverts these markings become darker and more vcrmiculate 
in character ; the upper surface of wings brownish black, with scattered white markings along the arm, which 
increase and finally become confluent at the inner flexure of the humerus, forming a broad irregular patch 
■with barred markings and freckles of greyish brown ; the primaries are brownish black with yellowish-white 
shafts ; the lining of the wings and the long axillary plumes are pure white, the innermost of the latter 
clouded and freckled with grey. The tail-feathers are parti-coloured, with pure white shafts ; the middle 
tail-feather has its basal half white with produced marginal limbs ; on the three next the white progressively 


192 


extends fui'ther on the inner web ; on the outermost feather the black reaches only halfway down on the 
outer webj and on the inner is reduced to a patch in the form of a hatchet the under tail-coverts, which 
extend to the end of the feathers, are pure white. Bill beautiful pinky horn-colour, the cutting-edge of the 
upper mandible margined with black as far as the unguis. Length 43 inches ; wing, from second flexure, 
24'5 ; tail 8 ; bill, from gape to tip 6, following curvature of upper mandible from the base 6'5, along the 
edge of lower mandible 5‘6; tarsus 4; middle toe and claw 6'5 ; greatest width of expanded foot 6'5. 

Notes. Mr. Gould, in his ‘ Handbook to the Birds of Australia ^ (ii. p. 433) thus disposes of the dilfereuces of 
plumage: — The Wandering Albatros varies much in colour at different ages: very old birds are entirely 
white, with the exception of the pinions, which are black ; and they are to be met with in every stage, 
from pure white, white freckled and barred with dark brown, to dark chocolate-brown approaching to 
black, the latter colouring being always accompanied by a white face, which in some specimens is washed 
with buff; beneath the true feathers they are abundantly supplied with a fine white down. . . . The young 
are at first clothed in a pure white down, which gives place to the dark brown colouring mentioned above.” 

A fledgling, however, in the Otago Museum (obtained at Campbell Island) is entirely without the dark 
plumage. It has not yet completely lost the dense fluffy pure white down which forms the clothing of the 
nestling. The head, neck, shoulders, rump, tail, and entire under surface are of the purest white, having a 
fine silky gloss ; the interscapular region is traversed longitudinally with club-shaped marks of greyish black, 
increasing downwards, the larger feathers having their apical portion completely covered ; upwards, towards 
the shoulders, these marks diminish till they become mere arrow-heads ; on the mantle there are numerous 
marginal bars, but there is no vermiculation. The wings are brownish black on their upper surface varied 
with white, all the coverts having white margins, and the quills are black. Bill yellowish horn-colour, 
with a bluish tinge on the upper mandible. 

Shortly before leaving the colony, I saw, at Waikanae, a fresh specimen which had been cast ashore on 
the coast during a severe gale. It was of small size, and evidently a young bird. The whole of the plumage 
was pure white without any markings, excepting only the wings, which were black on their upper surface, 
largely dappled with white, especially towards the humeral flexure. Legs and feet flesh-grey. The skin of 
this bird afterwards came into the possession of Mr. S. W. Silver, of Lctcomb Manor, and, with his permission, 
I have introduced its likeness into my Plate of this species, as the back figure standing on a rock. 

We cannot suppose that the Albatros is first pure white, then dark brown, and, after passing through 
several intermediate states, pure white again in extreme old age. Nor would it be altogether safe, from the 
materials at present before us, to construct a new species. I am inclined rather to account for the differences 
I have mentioned on the supposition of the existence of dimorphic phases of plumage as in some other oceanic 
birds. 

The following is a description of a perfectly mature example of this Albatros, the fresh skin of which 
was received at the Canterbury Museum from one of the emigrant ships, in 1874, and noticed by me in a 
communication to the Philosophical Institute * : — The whole of the head and neck, as well as the upper and 
lower parts of the body, of the purest milk-white. On each side of the nape, or upper part of the neck, there 
is a broad longitudinal mark, of a beautiful roseate pink, covering an area of about six inches in length by 
two inches in breadth, which fades soon after death, and ultimately disappears altogether in the dried skinf. 
Another specimen obtained at the same time showed traces of this feature, but in a very diminished degree; 
and I conclude that it is to be met with only in very old birds, or at some particidar season of the year. The 
only dark markings are on the wings and tail ; on the latter, eaeh feather has two subapical irregular spots 
of black, larger and darker on the outer webs. (It is probable that these spots ultimately disappear, leaving 

* Trans. If.-Z. Inst. vol. viii. p. 189. 

t This feature, which appeared to me at the time quite a new fact in natural history, has since been noticed by Dr. Kidder 
in the following terms : — “ All of the nesting Albatroses that I saw, without exception, showed a slight pinkish discoloration of 
the neck, as if a blood-stain had been washed out (usually on the left side), and extending downward from the region of the ear.” 

I find, however, that I was not the first to record this peculiarity of coloration. Captain Hutton, in his ‘Notes on the Petrels 
of the Southern Ocean,’ mentions “ a rose-coloured streak on each side of the neck,” and adds, “ I have never seen this on either 
the young or very old birds ; and the only one I ever captured with it was a male. I have also only seen these marks between 
June and August, and I am therefore disposed to believe that they distinguish the middle-aged male bird previous to the breeding- 
season ; but I am not sure of this.” 


193 


the tail entirely white, for I observed that on some of the lateral feathers there was only a single irregu ar spo 
on the outer web.) Two of the upper tail-coverts (which otherwise are perfectly white) are crossc re - 
versely with delicate vermicnlations of dark brown; the lining of the wings and the axillary J 

white. At the insertion of the wings some of the upper feathers have delicate ve^iculaties ; the m e 
secondaries are broadly marked in this manner, and the longer ones have a broad terminal pa ch o ^ 
Along the edge of the humerus there are spots of black, having a very pretty effect, each feather Im , 
broad angular spot on the outer vane. At the humeral bend of the wing the white plumage P-d— t > 
the spots appearing again like irregular inky patches, and becoming thicker and larger towards the cari 
flexure. The secondaries are white in their basal portion, greyish black towards the tips. The primaries 
are brownish black, with white shafts, fading to grey on their inner webs, and white at the base 

In the Otago Museum there is an apparently fully adult bird in which the crown is mottled and the 
sides of the neck, the entire mantle, and the upper tail-coverts handsomely vermiculatcd with brownish black 
on a pure white ground; the upper surface of the wings black, varied more or less with white; qui s and 
tail-feathers brownish black ; the entire under surface of the body delicately vermiculated with daik biowii , 
bill yellow horn-colour, with a slate-coloured patch near the expansion at the tip of the lower mandible. 

There is another adult specimen in the Colonial Museum, which has a perfectly white head, neck and 
underparts, with very silky plumage ; no markings whatever on the back, and only an indistinct vermiculation 
on some of the feathers composing the mantle; rump and tail white, the middle tail-feathers somewhat 
clouded with grey; upper surface of wings greyish black, marked along the upper edgm and largely towards 
the humeral flexure with white; scapulars white, marked with broken bars of greyish blacK. Bill uniform 
pale yellow, the cutting-edge of upper mandihle black. Legs and feet flesh-white. 

There is likewise a very fine specimen in the Canterbury Museum in which there is an entire absence o 
freckles or vermiciilatc markings, the whole of the hody-plumage being of the purest white; the upper 
surface of wings largely varied with white, the humeral flexure being entirely white. 

In another very large one which I had an opportunity of examining the entire plumage was ^ 

on the upper surface of wings, where likewise, along the upper edge and towards the humeral flexure, the i 1 e 
predominated; there was no vermiculation on the upper surface, except at the ends of the scapulais, and t e 
tail-feathers were only mottled with black at the tips. But the principal feature in this bird was in 
colour of the bill, which from a whitish horn-colour deepened to rich orange-yellow on the culmen, and 

darkened to reddish brown towards the base. 


What voya-er on the high seas has not watched with wonder and admiration the sailing flight of the 
Albatros! It has been the theme of poets and philosophers from the earliest times ; and rarions 
inoenions theories have been propounded to account for the amazing power which this bird possesses 
of°sailing in the air for an hour at a time without the slightest movement of its expanded wings 
Professor Hutton, whose observations on the birds inhabiting the Southern Ocean ( 1806) =>« 

full of suggestive information, has contributed an essay • on the flight of the Albatros , and alt oug 
his mathematical treatment of the subject has been challenged, his paper shows a very clew appre- 
hension of the mechanical principles on which the explanation rests-his mam object hem t 
that if an Albatros started with a certain velocity it could, by slightly altering the angle a 
was flying, continue to support itself in the air without using its wings until its velocity had been 

reduced below a certain point. _ . , 

Dr. Bennett, who has written on the same subject, remarks:— “It is pleasing to o serve is s p 

bird sailing in the air in graceful and elegant movements, seemingly excited by some inv ^ . 

for there is scarcely any movement of the wings seen after the first and fiequent impu ses ' e, 
when the creature elevates itself in the air, rising and falling as if some concealed S , , • 

various motions, without any muscular exertion of its own.” Mr. Gould adds the ° ° ^ other 

mony: — “The powers of flight of the Wandering Albatros are much gi eater than t 

* Philosophical Magazine, August 1869. 


VOL. II. 


194 


bird that has come under my observation. Although during calm or moderate weather it sometimes 
rests on the surface of the water, it is almost constantly on the wing, and is equally at ease while 
passing over the glassy surface during the stillest calm, or flying with meteor-like swiftness before 
the most furious gale ; and the manner in which it just tops the raging billows and sweeps between 
the gulfy waves has a hundred times called forth my wonder and admiration. Although a vessel 
running before the wind frequently sails more than 200 miles in the twenty-four hours, and that for 
days together, still the Albatros has not the slightest ditflculty in keeping up with the ship, but also 
performs circles of many miles in extent, returning again to hunt up th e wake of the vessel for any 
substances thrown overboard.” It requires no great stretch of imagination to believe, with the last- 
named naturalist, that in the course of their peregrination they frequently make the circuit of the 
globe — a conclusion the more natural, as the medusee and other marine productions on which they 
subsist appear to be equally abundant in every latitude. 

Dr. Bree writes, in his ‘Birds of Europe’: — “ The Wandering Albatros, of which but few natu- 
ralists have much personal knowledge, inhabits the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its appearance in 
European seas is rare and accidental ; at least, but few instances of its having been seen there are 
recorded. Degland notices one specimen having been captured at Dieppe about 1830, the head of 
which is preserved by M. Hardy, the well-known naturalist of that place. Another specimen was 
killed near Anvers in 1833, and three more in the neighbourhood of Chaumont in November 1858. 
There is also a specimen in the Museum at Christiania, which Mr. Tristram informs me he has seen, 
which was killed off the coast of Norway. Notwithstanding these instances, however, ornithologists 
have been tardy in admitting this species into the European lists *. Nuttall, whose descriptions are 
always interesting, proceeding as they did from an accomplished naturalist, who, like Audubon, earned 
his reputation in the forests and the prairies, has given an excellent account of this bird. ‘ Vagabond,’ 
he remarks, ‘ except in the short season of reproduction, they are seen to launch out into the widest 
part of the ocean, and it is probable that, according to the season, they pass from one extremity of 
the globe to another ! ’ 

“ I cannot endorse Nuttall’s statement that it is only ‘ when the flying-fish fail they have recourse 
to the inexhaustible supply of molluscous animals with which the milder seas abound ; ’ nor can the 
following be a true record of the natural history of the species : — ‘ They are nowhere more abundant 
than off the Cape of Good Hope, where they have been seen in April and May, sometimes soaring in 
the air with the gentle motion of the Kite at a stupendous height, at others nearer the water, watching 
the motions of the flying-fish, which they seize as they spring out of the water to shun the jaws of the 
larger fish which pursue them. Vast flocks are also seen around Kamtschatka and the adjacent 
islands, particularly the Kuriles and Bering’s Island, about the end of June. Their arrival is consi- 
dered by the natives of these places as a sure presage of the presence of the shoals of fish which they 
have thus followed into these remotest seas.’ It is very evident that Nuttall’s observations relate to 
an entirely different bird ; for no one ever saw the Wandering Albatros capture its food in the manner 
described, nor does its range extend into the region he mentions.” 

I have myself never tired of watching the flight of the Albatros and of speculating on the exact 
nature of its guiding and impelling force. It is interesting, too, to observe the conduct of these 
birds when a number of them, perhaps six or seven, are following in the wake of the steamer. They 
are coursing ai’ound in circles that meet, and with scarcely a movement of their ample pinions, when 
one of them observes a piece of offal, or other object, thrown overboard and drifting astern. It 
suddenly arrests itself in its graceful flight, bends its body into an ungainly shape by stretching forward 
its straddled legs and throwing hack its head, and then flops down into the water, followed first by 
* Both Diomedea exulam and D. chlororhyncha, although admitted hy Dr. Bree on the authority already mentioned, are 
omitted by Mr. Dresser from his ‘ Birds of Europe.’ 


195 


one and then by another of its companions in quick succession. Over the floating morsel they seem 
to hold a “ caucus,” with all their heads together and wings partially raised, and in a few minutes are 
left far astern of the moving steamer, rising and falling with the rolling wave, till they are well nigh 
out of sight ; then mounting in the air again, one after the other, after a preliminaiy lun on the uater 
to get the required impetus, they come sweeping up to their former position with almost incredible 
swiftness. They follow the coastal steamers in all weathers, seldom, however, venturing further than 
the entrance when a port is reached ; although on several occasions I have known young birds continue 
in pursuit almost to the anchorage. 

Perhaps no writer has more graphically described the flight of this noble bird than Froude in 
his ‘Oceana’ (pp. 65, 66): — 

“From the Cape to Australia the distance is 6000 miles, or a quarter of the circumference of 
the globe. Our speed was thirteen knots an hour, and we were attended by a body-guard of Alba- 
troses. Cape-hens, and Sea-hawks-the same birds, so the sailors said, following the ship without 
resting all the way. I know not whether this be so, or how the fact has been ascertained. One 
large ^Gull is very like another, and the islands in the middle of the passage are their principal 
breeding-places. Any way, from fifty to a hundred of them were around us at sunrise, around us 
when the night fell, and with us again in the morning. They are very beautiful in the great ocean 
solitude. One could have wished that Coleridge had seen an Albatros on the wing before he wrote 
the ‘ Ancient Mariner,’ that the grace of the motion might have received a sufficient description. 
He wheels in circles round and round, and for ever round, the ship-now far behind, now sweeping 
past in a long rapid curve, like a perfect skater on an untouched field of ice. There is no effort ; 
watch as closely as you will, you rarely or never see a stroke of the mighty pinion. The flight is 
generally near the water, often close to it. You lose sight of the bird as he disappears in the hollow 
between the waves, and catch him again as he rises over the crest ; but how he rises and whence 
comes the propelling force is to the eye inexplicable ; he alters merely the angle at which the wings 
are inclined— usually they are parallel to the water and horizontal ; but when he turns to ascend or 
makes a change in his direction the wings then point at an angle, one to the sky, the other to the 
water. Given a power of resistance to the air, and the air itself will do the rest, just as a kite 
flies ; but how, without exertion, is the resistance caused 1 However it be, the Albatros is a grand 
creature. To the other birds, and even to the ship itself, he shows a stately indifference, as if he had 
been simply ordered to attend its voyage as an aerial guardian, but disdained to interest himself 

further ” *. 

On my last voyage from the Antipodes, by direct steamer by way of Cape Horn, I made careful 
observations on the Albatroses that followed us. During the first few days from the New-Zealand 
coast (middle of March), and in lat. 56'’ S., some twenty or more of D. exulans were in daily attend- 
ance. Nearly the whole of these were in the dark plumage characteristic of the young bird, the foie 
neck, breast, and upper parts of the body being of various shades of chocolate-brown, and the face, 
throat, and abdomen pure white. In some the brown on the breast was very pale, and in one or 
more of them was reduced to a mere cloud of speckled markings. One bird, however, and the only 
one in the white body-plumage mentioned above, was conspicuous among the group. It had the head, 

* “ A singular incident at sea is reported by the captain of the ship ‘ Gladstone,’ which arrived in Port Jackson from London 
on November 20. At 1 p.m. on October 22, in lat. 42° S., long. 90° E., the ship was running down her easting across the Southern 
Ocean when one of the hands fell overboard from the starboard gangway. Immediately on the alarm being given the ship was 
smartly rounded to, and the life-boat, manned by the first officer and four hands, lowered in hot haste, ihe boat reached the 
unfortunate man after a long pull, and found him supporting himself in the water by clinging dcsperatel} to a large Albatros, 
wHcb, on coming to the surface after his plunge, he had succeeded in making his prize. Holding to the huge bird with a 1 t e 
energy of a drowning man, he had utilized him as a life-buoy until rescued by his comrades. This is probably the first case o 
the kind on record .” — The Colonist, Jan. 20, 1882. 


196 


neck, back, and all the underparts of the purest white ; and the upper surface of the wings blackish 
brown, with a broad white patch at the humeral flexure. It was a bird of considerable size — 
larger, indeed, than any of the others — and seemed to take much wider sweeps over the ocean, and 
often approached so near to the stern of our ship that I could detect the pinky flesh-colour of the 
beak. Its tail was white, with what appeared to be a terminal band of black. In long. 126°, the 
weather being bitterly cold, all the Albatroses had left us. But three days later, lat. 56° 22' S., long. 
107° 9' W., a pair of young birds (in brown plumage) came up to us about noon ; and on the following- 
day (March 21), with a stiff gale blowing, an old one appeared in the midst of a flock of Petrels, but 
did not remain very long. The last appearance of this species was on March 22nd, lat. 56°, long. 88°, 
when two birds (one of them in the young plumage) joined us about noon and followed our ship till 
dark. At this time we were steaming before the wind at a great rate, our log having registered 
a run of 320 miles for the previous twenty-four hours. 

About 5 P.M. the next day, lat. 56°, long. 83°, an Albatros of another species, probably D. 
hraohyura, appeared in sight. It kept at a long distance from the steamer, made one wide sweep 
over the sea, and then vanished ; and two days later, having rounded Cape Horn and got into a 
placid ocean, six more of them appeared at one time, sailing close to the water, and then rising high 
in the air (with a movement like a Sea-Gull’s), then sweeping down again in a wide circle and skim- 
ming the surface as before — coursing far away to leeward, keeping company, as it were, with the ship, 
but never following in our wake after the manner of the South Pacific bird. 

Although the Wandering Albatros is very common in the seas round New Zealand, I have never 
heard of its breeding on any of the outlying rocks, except those in the vicinity of the Chatham 
Islands. Campbell and the Auckland Islands are enumerated among its known breeding-stations *. 
Dr. McCormick, surgeon of H.M.S. ‘Erebus,’ who found it nesting on the latter in the months of 
November and December, writes: — “The grass-covered declivities of the hills above the thickets of 
wood are the spots selected by the Albatros for constructing its nest, which consists of a mound of 
earth, intermingled with withered grass and leaves matted together, 18 inches in height, 6 feet in 
circumference at the base, and 27 inches in diameter at the top, in which only one egg is usually 
deposited. The eggs I had an opportunity of weighing varied in weight from 14^ to 19 oz., thirty 
specimens giving an average of 17 oz. ; colour white [measuring 4-75 inches in length by 3-25 in 
breadth]. The Albatros during the period of incubation is frequently found asleep, with its head 
under its wing ; its beautiful white head and neck, appearing above the grass, betray its situation at 
a considerable distance off. On the approach of an intruder it resolutely defends its eggs, refusing to 
quit the nest until forced off, when it slowly waddles away in an awkward manner to a short distance 
without attempting to take wing. Its greatest enemy is a fierce species of Lestris, always on the 
watch for the Albatros quitting its nest, when the rapacious pirate instantly pounces down and devours 

* Mr, J. D. Eiij-s writes to me that it likewise breeds on some rocks north of the Chatham Islands ; and Mr. Hood, a Whare- 
knuri settler, informs me that the Chatham Island natives periodically visit two groups of small islands (the Sisters and the Forty) 
for the purpose of collecting young birds. In August 1883 he saw the boats return with seven hiuidred young Albatroses. The 
natives had caught' them on the nest and wrung their necks. After this they were tried down in their own fat and potted in 
calabashes for future use. Ho has several times joined himself in this annual excursion and assisted in the capture of the young 
birds ; and on one occasion, the natives having chartered his schooner for the purx>ose, they collected as many as two thousand 
young birds off these islands. This w-as in the mouth of Sej)tember, and the young were fully fledged and well grown. From 
the Pyramid Hock, lying off Pitt’s Island, they obtained several luuidrcd more. Mr. Hood states that on these small islands the 
birds breed on the high rooks, forming very rude nests of drift and seaweed, and that each of these contains a single young one. 
Whilst the nests are being plundered in the -wholesale manner described above, the old birds generally sweejr in ■wide circles over- 
head, but never utter a sound. A few braver ones remain near their offspring, but they offer no resistance. The young, on the 
contrary, are very vicious 'udth their beaks, and have to be despatched with clubs. Mr. Hood further states that the young birds 
are pure white with black wings. 


197 


the egg. So well is the poor bird aware of the propensity of its foe, that it snaps the mandibles of 
its beak violently together whenever it observes the Lestris flying overhead. 

Professor Scott found this species breeding on Campbell Island in the month of November , and, 
strange to say, as late as March 16th, as Sir James Hector has informed me by letter, “ Captain 
Fairchild found it nesting in large numbers on Antipodes Island. The nests were placed among the 
tussock -grass and moss, on a plateau 25 acres in extent and 1320 feet above the sea. Each nest 
contained a single egg. He examined hundreds of nests, but never found one with two eggs in it ' . 
The ‘ Hinemoa ’ proceeded from Antipodes to the Bounty Islands ; Diomedea exulans was not breeding 
there, but there were lots of I). vielanopliTys, and the young were quite large. 

The fledgling in the Otago Museum, described above, is stated to be about ten months old; and 
to account for this long babyhood I cannot do better than quote the following account f of the very 
curious domestic economy of this bird : — “At a certain time of the year, between February and June, 
Mr. Harris cannot exactly say when, the old birds leave their young and go to sea, and do not return 
until the next October, when they arrive in large numbers. Each pair goes at once to its old nest ; 
and after a little fondling of the young one, which has remained in or near the nest the whole time, 
they turn it out and prepare the nest for the next brood. The deserted young ones are in good 
condition and very lively, frequently being seen off their nests exercising their wings. When the old 
birds return and take possession of their nest, the young one often remains outside, and nibbles at the 
head of the old one until the feathers between the beak and the eye are removed and the skin made 
quite sore. The young birds do not go far from land until the following year, when they accompany 

the old ones to sea.” 

There can be no reasonable doubt as to the truth of this account, wonderful as it may appear. 
The Maoris, who are good natural observers, confirm the story, and state that when the young birds 
are left they are so immensely fat that they can subsist for months without food of any kind. Pro- 
fessor Flutton expressed a belief that the young birds are nocturnal (although the old ones are strict y 
diurnal) and “ go down to the sea at night, returning to their nests in the morning ; but Mr. Haiiis 
rejects this theory, stating that they are incapable of flight, and that the situations occupied by many 

of them made it impossible to get to the water except by that means. 

What is that divinely-implanted faculty which enables this bird, after wanderings that defy calcu- 
lation and perhaps encircle the globe, to find her way back at the right moment, across the pathless 
deep, to that little speck of rock in mid-ocean where she had cradled her young the season before . 
Doubtless the same mysterious unerring instinct that guides the Swallow in its annual pilgrimage— 
that leads the Pipit, without landmark of any kind, straight to her little nest in the glass ami st 
miles of waving tussock— that enables the nesting sea-bird, when she comes back from fishing, to pick 

out her two painted eggs from amongst the thousands that lie upon the barren rock. 

An eo'cr of this species in the Canterbury Museum is ovoid or slightly ovoido-elliptical in orm, 
yellowish tvhite, with a roughly granulate shell, wholly devoid of gloss or polish, but without any 
excrescences. It measures on its axis 4-8 inches in length by 3-3 in width. Its longest circumference 
is 12-6 inches, and its widest 10 inches. An egg obtained at Campbell Island, at the same time as 
the nestling described above (in the month of November), is ovoido-elliptical in form, measuring 
5 inches in length by 3 in breadth, and is perfectly white, with a slightly granulate surface. There 
is another egg in the Otago Museum (without any locality assigned to it) which is somewhat la , 
measuring 5‘5 inches in length by 3'2 in breadth, of a creamy coloiii and much soiled by ext 
contact, especially at the larger end. An egg in my sons collection is ovoido-elliptical, beiiij, s „ y 
larger at one end, and measures 4‘85 inches in length by 3T5 in breadth ; it is of a uniform ye 
ivhite with a finely granulate surface, w’ithout the slightest gloss. 

* Sir George Grey informs me that on the Auckland Islands he found hundreds of Albatroses hreedin^ ^ 

according to his account, were of the shape of a Chilton cheese, and each one contained a single ego. Hence } o> 

“ Kaingatahi.” o-qN 

t “ Notes on Birds inhahiting the Southern Ocean,” by F. W. Hutton (‘ The Ibis, lb o, p. )• 


Okdek TUBINABES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLAKIID^. 


DIOMEDEA MELANOPHEYS. 

(BLACK -EYEBEO WED ALBATROS.) 


Biometlea melanophrys, Boie, in Temm. PL Col. v. pi. 456 (1828). 

Native name. — Toroa. 

Ad. albus : interscapulio et scapularibus cum ala tota schistaceo-nigris : dorso postico^ uropygio et supraeaudalibus 
albis : caudtl sclustaceo-nigiA, scapis albidis : regione oculari delicate ciuerea^ supril oculum saturatiore, 
supercilium formante : rostro sordide flavo : pedibus flavicanti-albisj cyanescente yix lavatis, plaiitis etiam 
cyanesccnte tinctis : iride pallide brunnea. 

Adult. General plumage pure white j middle portion of back and upper surface of wings slaty black ; in front 
of the eyes a broad patch of bluish grey, which passes into a darker streak over and behind them ; tail dark 
ash-g]'ey, the shafts of the feathers white. Iridos light brown ; bill dull yellow ; legs and toes yellowish 
white, the interdigital webs and the joints washed more or less with pale blue. Total length 34 inches j 
wing, from flexure, 20' 3 ; tail 8; bill, along the curvature 5'25, from gape to extremity of lower mandible 
4‘75 ; tarsus 3; middle toe and claw 4*75. 

05s. Individuals vary in size, and in one of my specimens the bill measures along the culmen 6 inehes, and from 
gape to tip, in a direct line, 4-75. 

Young. Differs from the adult in having the head and neck ash-grey, and the upper surface of wings and inter- 
scapular region brownish black, the smaller wing-coverts with paler margins, the bill blue-black, and the 
legs and feet bluish grey. 

Prog"ess toivards maturity. The grey gradually changes to white ; according to Prof. Hutton’s observations 
“ first on the cheeks, then spreading to the top of the head, leaves a collar round the neck, which breaks first 
in front, and gradually spreads upwards until the whole is white.” He adds that ” the bill remains dark 
blue for some time after the plumage has assumed the colours of the adult.” Although mainly correct this 
does not exactly accord with my own observations. I have a specimen in which the old eolour presents 
only an irregular wash of ash-grey on the crown and sides of the head, whilst the dark bill is undergoing a 
rapid change, the culmen, bilge of hook, and outer edge of lower mandible being dull yellow. 

Another in my collection has the bill blackish brown, changing to dull yellow on the ridge and again 
on the hook, also, less distinctly, along the edge of the lower mandible. The crown is white j occiput and 
hind neck pale slaty grey, forming a sort of half-eollar around the neck. 

A third specimen has a yellow bill ; the vertex is still clouded with grey, forming a sort of nuchal cap j 
there is the usual dark streak tlnough the eyes, and the hind neck is entirely white. Bill measures 4 
inches] following curvature 4’75. (Sex ? .) 

In a fourth, which has fully assumed the adult plumage, the bill is yellowish grey, lighter on the hook, 
but with a dark band around the base and another extending to the nostrils. 

Nestling. Covered with long, thick woolly down, of a pale grey colour ; bill brownish black with yellowish horn- 
coloured tip ; legs and feet yellowish white. In form plump, and having a comfortable aldermanic appear- 
ance. 


Tins species of Albatros is far more common in our seas than Biomedea exulans, and habitually 


199 


approaches nearer to the coast, generally following a vessel to the entrance of the harbours, and 
sometimes to their anchorage. After boisterous weather it is sometimes picked up on the ocean- 
beach, not actually lifeless, but so exhausted by fatigue as to be incapable of rising. 

Professor Hutton has observed that this bird “ dives sometimes, but does not appear to like 
doing so, generally preferring, ’when any thing good to eat is under water, to let a Night-hawk fish it 
up ; then giving chase and running along the top of the water, croaking, and with outstretched wings, 
it compels him to drop it, and then seizes it before it sinks again. Mr. Gould refers to it in the 
following terms : — “ Of all the species with which I am acquainted this is the most fearless of man, 
for it often approaches many yards nearer the vessel than any other; I have even observed it so near 
that the tips of its pinions were not more than two arms’ length from the taflfrail. It is very easily 
captured with a hook and line ; and as this operation gives not the least pain to the bird, the point 
of the hook merely taking hold in the horny and insensible tip of the bill, 1 frequently amused 
myself by capturing specimens in this way, and after detaining them sufficiently long to afford me an 
opportunity for investigating any particular point respecting which I wished to satisfy myself, setting 
them at liberty again, after having marked many, in order to ascertain whether the individuals which 
were flying round the ship at nightfall were the same that were similarly engaged at daylight in the 
morning after a night’s run of 120 miles ; and this in many instances proved to be the case. When 
brought upon deck, from which it cannot take wing, it readily becomes tame, and allows itself to be 
handled almost immediately ; still I believe that no member of this group can be domesticated, in 
consequence of the difficulty of procuring a supply of natural food.” 

Much of what I have said of the Wandering Albatros applies equally to this bird, their habits 
in their common field of action on the mighty deep being very much the same. It has the same 
awkward style of dropping into the water, as if its back was broken, but once upon the surface it 
comfortably tucks in its wings and swims with as much buoyancy as grace, lifting its proud head 
well above the body, and glancing shaiqdy around with its piercing eyes ; then, as if impelled by a 
sudden thought, it stretches up its lengthy pinions and mounting in the air glides through space with 
the silence of a spirit, scarcely moving its outspread wings as it sweeps around in never-ending circles, 
but restlessly turning its head from side to side as it scans the water below. 

Mr. Drew sent me the mandibles of a Diving Petrel {Pelecanoides urinatrix) found, together with 
a mass of feathers, in the stomach of an Albatros of this species, which had been cast ashore m a gale 
of wind at the Wanganui heads. Its ordinary food consists of minute oceanic animals, such as 
medusre and mollusca, and floating refuse of any kind thrown overboard from ships, whose course 
these birds descry from an amazing distance, and follow persistently for many days together. Whilst 
thus employed they appear to fraternize freely enough with the larger species. 

Some months ago there was a live one in the Zoological Society’s Gardens, which had become 
quite tame, knowing its keeper and following him, with a gurgling note or deep croak and much 
awkward flapping of its wings, on the approach of feeding-time. It spent most of its time resting 
placidly on a grass mound, and apparently quite indifferent to its banishment from the sea. 

On the nesting-habits of this species of Albatros Mr. W. Dougall has communicated (through 
Mr. Collison-Morley) to the ‘ Southland Times ’ some very interesting notes, from which I have 
culled the following extracts : — “ Every six months the New-Zealand Government sends a steamer to 
the following uninhabited South Pacific Islands, namely, Stewart, Snares, Auckland, Camphell, Anti- 
podes, and Bounty Islands (the last being 415 miles south-east of New Zealand), to overhaul and 
replenish food depots maintained for those who may unfortunately be shipwrecked upon these remote 
islands ; and the following observations were made when accompanying one of these trips. 

“ At Monumental Head (Auckland Island) w^e picked up our hunters laden with Albatroses 
living and dead, and Albatros eggs in abundance. At Campbell Island I ascended one of the highest 


200 


hills, Mount Honey (1866 feet), amidst hundreds of nests of the Albatros, surrounded by nothing 
save the unvarying tussock fern and ti-tree scrub. We came on the first Albatros at about 800 feet 
above sea-level, and after reaching the crown of the hill, 1000 feet, found them sitting in their nests 
and flying aborxt close to the ground in hundreds. The Albatros apparently lays but one egg each 
year, but one of the party found two nests containing two eggs each. It was suggested that this was 
only a freak of nature, although it is known that the Gannet of New Zealand lays two eggs, one of 
which is hatched by the male bird. All up the sides of the hill wild parsley was growing luxuriantly, 
often two feet high, Avhile everlasting daisy clothed the ground like a carpet. The cotton-wood plant 
in full bloom w'as also plentiful. As the top (1866 feet) is reached, this variety of vegetation ends and 
travelling becomes easier, as there is no growth to impede progress, but diminutive tussock among 
which are the Albatros nests and their tenants. These nests are built up of moss and earth about 
four inches above the surface of the ground. The material to form the nest is so taken from the soil 
as to leave a trench all round it, and this keeps things dry for the important object in view. The 
female never leaves the nest during incubation, a period of about sixty days, and is fed by her consort, 
who faithfully hunts for food for both. If by chance the nest is left unguarded for a single moment 
the Sea-Hawk, which is here in thousands, pounces upon the egg and ‘ love’s labour’s lost,’ at least 
so far as the Albatros is concerned. The Albatros is a stupid bird, for it will sit, whether hatching 
or not, till you tumble it head over heels with your foot. At the same time it will resent such liberty, 
and, if it succeeds in getting a hold, it will take the piece out of trousers, hose, and skin. They are 
very strong birds. The best way to catch one is to make a feint at his head with the left hand, which 
distracts the bird’s attention, and then quickly seize it by the bill with the right ; but be sure you get 
the grip, as they turn very quickly, and would snap your fingers off if they got the proper hold. They 
build on the flat plateaus of the hills; and so far as we have seen, never lower down than 700 feet 
from sea-level. At Antipodes Island, on Tuesday, January 31st, the day broke beautifully and the bay 
was like a mirror, but the glass was still low : as the day advanced w^e were enveloped for half an hour 
in one of those dense mists characteristic of this locality, and when it passed the hills were covered 
with snow. The height of the island is marked on the chart at 600 feet, but this is an error, as the 
principal hill. Mount Galloway, is 1200 feet above the sea-level. From seaward this hill looks conical 
or dome-shaped, but on reaching the summit a beautiful clear lake covering an area of thirteen or 
fourteen acres is found — a lake which a little later in the season than the time of our visit is much 
frequented by the Albatros, being virtually surrounded by thousands of their nests. 

“We moved on northwards (Stexvart Island) and came upon a perfect cemetery of dead Penguins 
lying rotting amidst black sand — thousands upon thousands — evidently cut off by some epidemic.” 

Mr. W. Dougall’s principal object in visiting these islands was to obtain photographs, and he 
brought back with him a beautiful series of instantaneous views, some of them exhibiting most 
interesting groups of Albatroses and Penguins, in every condition of growth, on their nesting-ground. 
I have in my possession a set of these photographs (which may be obtained by purchase from 
Mr. C. R. J oplin, 4 Blackfriars Street, Stamford), and I have selected for reproduction one of them 
showing a group of these birds among the rocks in their island sanctuary. (See p. 293.) 

In the Otago Museum there are two eggs of this Albatros (collected in November), the larger 
of which measures 4‘3 inches in length by 2-2 in breadth ; they are creamy white, irregularly marked 
or blotted with surface-spots of yellowish brown. The smaller of the two specimens presents more 
distinct blots in its middle portion, and has its larger pole studded with spots presenting a reddish- 
brown surface. 


Oedee TTJBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLARTID^. 


DIOMEDEA CULMINATA. 

(GREY-HEADED ALBATEOS.) 


Biomedea chlororhynclios, Aud. Orn. Biogr. v. p. 326 (1839, nec Gm.). 

Diomedea culminata, Gould, Ann. N. Hist. xiii. p. 361 (1844). 

Ad. similis D. chlororhynchce, sed pileo colloque totis pulchre cinereo lavatis : culmine et gonyde sordide flavis : 
pedibus flavicanti-albis. 

Juv. similis adulto, sed pileo colloque saturatids cinereis : rostro nigro, culmine medialiter flavicaute et gonyde 
obscure corned. 

Adult. Plumage similar to that of D. chlororhtjncha, but having the whole of the head and neck washed with 
delicate slaty grey, and the feathers of the back and mantle more or less margined with hrown. Bill hlack, 
with the ridge of the upper mandible, and the lower edges of the under mandible, to the junction of the 
crura, dull yellow; legs and feet yellowish white. Total length 31'5 inches; wing, from flexure, 20; tail 
7'5; hill, along the ridge 5, from the gape to the extremity of lower mandible 4’75 ; tarsus 3'25; middle 
toe and claw 4' 75. 

Young. Has the head and neck dark grey ; the space between the upper mandible and the eyes, as well as a 
mark above the latter, of a deeper shade ; beneath the posterior side of the lower eyelid a light grey mark ; 
the cheeks whitish ; bill black, with indications of yellow in the middle portion of its ridge, and with the 
outer edges of the lower mandible horn-coloured towards the base; legs and feet yellowish white. 

Obs. A specimen from Blueskin Bay, in the Otago Museum (sex ^ ), is an exceptionally handsome bird, the 
delicate shading of French grey on the head and neck being really exquisite. There is another specimen 
in the Otago Museum in which the head and entire neck are dark grey, changing to white on the cheeks, 
and deepening into sooty brown on the shoulders and mantle; upper surface of wings sooty black; tail sooty 
grey with white shafts ; breast and sides more or less marked and washed with grey ; rump and abdomen 
pure white. 

In the Canterbury Museum there is a young bird of this species, which was picked up on the ocean- 
beach somewhere between the mouths of the Avon and Waimakariri rivers, and another, in adult 
plumage, more recently presented by Mr. Hugh O’Neill. My description of the youthful state is 
taken from the first-named specimen, and that of the adult from a very fine example in the British 
Museum. Mr. Gould writes : — “ I frequently observed it between Sydney and the northern extremity 
of New Zealand ; and it also occurred in the same latitude of the Indian Ocean as abundantly as any of 
its congeners. It is a powerful bird, and directly intermediate in size between Diomedea caiita and 
D. chlororliyncJia. The specific differences of the three species are so apparent that I had no difficulty 
whatever in distinguishing them while on the wing. In D. clilororhyncha the bill is more compressed 
laterally, the culmen is round, and the yellow colouring terminates in an obtuse point midway between 
the nostrils and the base ; while in D. culminata the culmen is broad and flat, and has its greyish 
yellow colouring continued of the same breadth to the base ; the feet of the latter are also fully a 
third larger than those of the former. The habits, mode of life, and the kind of food partaken of by 
the D. culminata are so precisely similar to those of its congeners that a separate description would 
be a mere repetition of what has already been said respecting the preceding species. 

VOL. II. .2d 


Order TUBINARES.] 


[Fam. PROCELLARlIDiE. 


DIOMEDEA CHLOROEHYNCHA. 

(YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROS.) 


Yellow-nosed Albatros, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 309, pi. 94 (1785). 
Diomedea cJilororhynchos, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 695 (1788, ex Lath.). 
Biomedea chlororhy7icha. Cones, Pr. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 185. 


Ad. similis D. melanophryi, sed rostro nigro, culmine cum ungue et maculd parva ad basin mandibul* posita Isete 
flavis : pcdibus cyanescenti-albis. 

Adult. Plumage similar to that of D. melanophrys, but having only a light shade of grey in front of the eyes, 
and a black tail with white shafts. Bill black, with the culmen, hook, unguis, and edge of lower mandible 
bright yellow ; a narrow basal spot on the lower mandible orange j legs and feet bluish white. Total length 
32‘ 5 inches; wing, from flexure, 19'5; tail 8; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible .5'4, from 
gape to extremity of lower mandible 5 ; tarsus 3 ; middle toe and claw 4-25. 

Obs. The yellow does not melt into the black as in transitional states of Diomedea melanophrys, but the two 
colours are well defined, and the former terminates in an acute point about half an inch from the base of 
the upper mandible. In very mature birds the yellow deepens to orange on the hook, where it spreads, and 
then fades away to pale yellow at the tip. 

In the Otago Museum there is a fine specimen which has the bill perfectly black, with a broad, well- 
defined stripe of yellow down the culmen, which widens considerably and deepens to orange on the hook ; 
the extreme edges of tlie lower mandible are likewise yellow. There is just a pale shade of grey in front of 
the eyes, which becomes darker above them ; shoulders, upper surface of wings, and tail sooty black, the 
shafts of the latter white ; the rest of the plumage pure white. 


There is a specimen of this Albatros in the Auckland Museum; and Dr. Crosbie, of H.M.S. 
‘ Virago,’ showed me the head of another. Both of these, as I was informed, were obtained otf the 
New-Zealand coast, although the proper range of this species appears to lie in more northern latitudes. 

There are likewise specimens, more recently obtained, in the Canterbury and Otago Museums. 

Dr. Bree says that this species “ has occurred still more rarely than B. exulans in European 
seas. Two instances are, however, mentioned by Esmark (Degland, Orn. Eur. p. 359) as having been 
killed near Kongsberg, in Norway, in the month of April 1837,” in consequence of which Bonaparte 
and Degland gave it a place among the birds of Europe. It ranges, according to Latham, from 30° 
to 60° in the southern hemisphere, all round the pole. 

Prof. Hutton has expressed his opinion that the three allied forms, B. chlororJiyncha, B. culini- 
Qiata, and B. nxelanoylirys, are in reality one species ; but in this view I do not concur, because the 
adult birds are easily discriminated, the well-marked black and yellow bill of the two former distin- 
guishing them from the Mollyhawk, -whilst as between each other the differently coloured head in 
the adult bird is a very conspicuous feature. 

In the Otago Museum there is a specimen of Biomedea clilororhy^icha (marked s , St. Paul’s 
Island) which comes very near in general appearance to B. cauta, but it wants the face-adornment 
along the base of the mandible wLich distinguishes the latter species. 


Order TUBINAEES.] 


DIOMEDEA CAUTA. 

(SHY ALBATEOS.) 


[Fam. PEOCELLAEIID^. 


Diomedea cauta, Gould, in Proc. Zool. Soc. part viii. p. 177 (1840).^ 
Biomedea {Thalassarche) cauta, Bonap. Compt. Eend. de I’Acad. Sci. 1856 


? ad. fronte et yertice cinerascenti-albis : pileo colloque toto pulclir6 cinereo lavatis : regione ante- et supi - 
oculari cinerascenti-nigris : dorso et iaterscapulio cum al^ tota cinerascenti-nigris: uropygio et supraca,udahbu 
albis : remigibus brunnescenti-nigris, seapis ad basin flavicanti-albidis, secundarhs versus apieem brunnes- 
cente tinctis : caudd saturate argentescenti-cinerea, seapis albidis : subtiis purb albus : subalanbus a b s 
plumis exterioribus nigricantibus : iride la.tb vinascenti-brunnea : pedibus sord.db 

tarsis saturatioribus : rostro cyanescenti-eorneo, ad apieem sordidfe nigro, eulmme medmbt^ et gonyde 
obscure flavicantibus, ad basin conspicue nigro marginatis : margine mandibulari ad basm laito flavo. 

Adult female. The whole of the head and neck delicate pearl-grey, shading off almost to white on the crown and 
forehead ; lores and a line over each eye greyish black, shading off below into the pearl-grey ; back a d 
upper surface of wings greyish brown ; rnmp, tail-coverts, and the whole of the underparts pure white, soft y 
blending with the grey on the lower fore neck ; quills brownish black, the shafts whitish horn-colour toward 
the base, the longer secondaries tinged with sepia-brown; tail-feathers dark silvery pey, 
and paler on the under surface; lining of wings white, some of the feathers towards he edge 
greyish black; irides rich vinous brown; feet dull fleshy white, the tarsi darker; bill bluish ’ 

lighter and tinged with yellow along the ciilmen, and also on the under surface of the lower mandible th 
sides of the unguis or hooked extremity, as well as the terminal expansion of the lower mandible, dull black 
the upper mandible margined at the base with a narrow black band, which broadens on the ridge and extends 
alon- the groove on each side to the nostrils. Base of lower mandible fringed on each side with a membrane 
of alright yellow colour, bordered behind with black, and forming a very distinguishing feature in this 
species. Another bright yellow membrane extends, in an oblique line, down the cheeks for about three 
inches from the angles of the mouth, but this is only observable on the feathers being moved aside. To a 
length 35 inches; extent of wings 91, from carpal flexure to the tip 22-5 ; tail 9; bi 1, following the curva- 
ture of upper mandible 5-3, length of lower mandible 5 ; tarsus 3-2o ; middle toe and claw 5 7. 


This fine species was first described by Mr. Gould (as quoted above) and named by hm the Shy 
Albatros, in allusion to its cautious habits when on the wing. In his ‘ Birds of Australia he gives 

the following account of it : — _ , , , 

“ I first saw this species of Albatros off the south coast of Tasmania, and had frequent oppoi- 

tnnities of observing it during my stay in Eecherche Bay, at the southern entrance o D Entrecasteaiix s 
Channel, where I was wind-bound for nearly a fortnight. Unlike other Albatroses it was mos 
difficult to procure, for it seldom approached our ship sufficiently^ near for a successful shot, 
succeeded, however, in shooting several examples while they were flying round the bay in which vve 
had taken shelter. It is not usual for Albatroses to approach the land or enter a secluded bay i e 
that of Eecherche, and I attribute this deviation from the ordinary habits to the temptation presentee 
by the vast cj^iiantities of fat and other remains of whales floating about, the locality being one ° ® 

principal whaling-stations on the coast of Tasmania. I have no doubt likewise that it was ree 
on the Mewstone and other isolated rocks in the neighbourhood, as the plumage o ^ some o 
specimens I procured indicated that they had lately been engaged in the task of incubaHom 


204 


“ It is a large and powerful bird, the male being scarcely a third less in size than the I), exulans ; 
is rapid and vigorous on the wung, and takes immense sweeps over the surface of the ocean. It will 
be interesting to learn the extent of the range of this species. A head in the possession of Sir 
William Jardine was said to have been procured at the Cape of Good Hope, but I believe this was 
by no means certain. When fully adult the sexes differ but little in colour ; the female may, how- 
ever, at all times be distinguished by her diminutive size, and the young by the bill being clouded 
with dark grey. Besides being larger than the three succeeding species (namely, D. culminata, 
I), chlororhyncha, and D. melanoplirys, to which and the present the generic appellation of Thalassarche 
has been given), the beautiful grey on the sides of the mandibles and the yellow mark at the base of 
the lower mandible will at all times distinguish this bird from the other members of the genus. The 
stomachs of those I obtained in Becherche Bay contained blubber, the remains of large fish, barnacles, 
and other crustaceans.” 

Prof. Hutton added this bird to the New-Zealand avifauna on the authority of a specimen 
captured at Blueskin Bay, in Otago; and in 1877 I exhibited and described* an adult female taken 
on the beach near the Wellington Pilot Station and brought to me alive. The fishermen by whom 
it was caught informed me that it had apparently been shot at sea and allowed to float ashore, the 
right wing being completely disabled, but that they had nevertheless considerable trouble in over- 
taking it before it reached the water ■!■. 

In lat. 55° S., long. 135° W,, in fine but intensely cold weather, a pair came up to us and followed 
our steamer for two or three hours. They fly in company with B. exulans and appear to associate 
freely enough with the smaller Petrels, but they did not once approach very near to the ship. Their 
flight is graceful and in wide circles, the outstretched wings appearing narrower and straighter than 
in the other species of Albatros, there being scarcely any perceptible curve. 

A shrewd collector, who appeared to know the bird well, assured me that he found it breeding 
on the Snares, the nest being placed on a high platform of rock and the birds being quite unapproach- 
able, rising on the slightest alarm and circling high in the air till all danger was past, in which respect 
their habits differ entirely from those of the Wandering Albatros, which will often allow itself to be 
captured on the nest. 

This species may be readily distinguished from all the other members of the group, notwith- 
standing the similarity of colour, by the basal black band on the bill and the peculiar fleshy membranes 
which fringe the base of the lower mandible and extend down the cheeks, in the form of a narrow 
rib, the use or purpose of which in the natural economy of the bird it is impossible to imagine. 

This feature was entirely new to me ; but I find that it exists in another species also, for Capt. Car- 
michael, writing of D. chlororhyncha, says : — “ A curious circumstance, with regard to this bird, is 
that when irritated the feather’s of its cheeks are separated, so as to display a beautiful stripe of 
naked orange skin running from the corners of the mouth towards the back of the head.” 

The only thing analogous to it among the other Biomedece is the fleshy rib which extends from the 
angles of the mouth backward in B.fidiginosa. 

I am indebted to Mr. L. WTlson, of the Marine Department, for two specimens of the egg of this 
species, which were collected by him on one of the islands lying off the east coast during one of his 
official trips in the steamboat ‘ Stella.’ They are broadly elliptical in form (presenting, indeed, a 
perfect ellipse) ; one is appreciably larger than the other, and they are yellowish white, with a finely 
granulate surface, but somewhat soiled by contact with the bird’s feet. The larger one measures 
4 inches in length by 2’6 in breadth ; the other 3’7 inches by 2’5. 

* Trans. jS'.-Z. Inst. vol. x. p. 217. 

t Hr. Cheeseman lias since recorded a male specimen, presented to the Auckland Museum by Mr. Bate of Parnell. 


Oedee TTJBINARES.] 


[Fam. PROCELLARIID^. 


DIOMEDEA EULIGINOSA. 

(SOOTY ALBATROS.) 


Sooty Albatros, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 1, p. 309 (1785). 
Diomedea fuliginosa, Gra. Syst. Nat. i. p. 568 (1788). 
Dioniedea spadicea. Lesson, Man. d’Orn. ii. p. 391 (1828). 
Biomedea fusca. And. Orn. Biogr. v. p. 116 (1839). 
Biomedea palpehrata, Lorst. Descr. An. p. 55 (1844). 
Phoehetria fuliginosa, Reich. Natiirl. Syst. Vog. p. v (1852). 


Amative name. — Toroa-pango. 


Ad. fuliginoso-cinereus, ahs cauddque saturatioribus ; facie laterali nigricante : fascul postoculari alb4 : primari- 
orum scapis ad basin albis, rectricum scapis omninb albis : rostro nigro, gonyde albicante : pedibus albis 
purpureo laviitis : irido saturate ciiierascenti-bruiinea. 

Adult male. Head and neck and upper surface of wings and tail brownish black; back and mantle slaty brown, 
with obscure wavy bands or margins of brownish grey; the rest of the plumage uniform dark slaty grey; 
the eyes surrounded posteriorly for two thirds of their circumference by a distinct mark of white ; the shafts 
of the primaries white in their basal portion, and those of the tail-feathers in their whole extent. Irides 
dark greyish brown ; bill jet-black and perfectly smooth, with a white cartilaginous line along each side of 
the lower mandible ; legs and feet white, with a purplish tinge. Total length 32-5 inches ; wing, from 
flexure, 19; tall 9-5 ; bill, along the curvature 4-25, from the gape to extremity of lower mandible 375 ; 
tarsus 275 ; middle toe and claw 475. 

Adidt female. Similar to the male, except that the whole plumage is lighter, being of a dull sooty brown, darker 
on the head and upper surface of wings and tail; the feathers of the back and the interscapulars broadly 
margined with paler brown. 

Young. Difiers from the female only in having the plumage of the upper parts more largely tinged with brown, 
the margins of the feathers paler, and the marks encircling the eyes light grey instead of white. 

Nestling. Covered with thick down having a woolly appearance, and being sooty black with pale brown tips. 

Var. A specimen obtained by Mr. Reischek at Antipodes Island is remarkable on account of its very pale 
colour. The general upper surface is slaty grey, becoming darker on the head ; the underparts uniform 

light slate-colour. 

Note. The flne series in my collection consists of the adult male bird, female, and young, as described above. 


This well-known species (the “ Cape-Lien” of sailors), which appears to be geneially distributed, over 
the temperate latitudes southward of the Equator, is comparatively common in thelsewZeaan 
seas. Its graceful form and long cuneated tail at once distinguish it from all the other mem eis 
the group, while its short and rather feeble legs indicate its more aerial character. Thus we n 
Mr. Gould observing that “ in its actions and mode of flight it differs very considerably from ate 


206 


other species of Albatros, its aerial evolutions being far more easy, its flight much higher, and its 
stoops more rapid ; it is, moreover, the only species that passes directly over the ship, which it frequently 
does in blowing weather, often poising itself over the masthead, as if inquisitively viewing the scene 
below. At this moment it oifers so inviting a mark for the gunner that it often forfeits its life.” 

In the winter of 1856 I received a very flne specimen from the Wairarapa plains, where it was 
found alive many miles from the sea, apparently blown inland by the violence of the prevailing 
storms. I have since received several specimens from the South Island, all in adult plumage, and a 
young bird from Cook’s Strait, where the violence of the storm had driven it ashore. 

It flies fast and often very near to the surface, almost touching the water, and with the wings 
more angular than in D. eoculans. The black head is very conspicuous, and the length of tail enables 
one to distinguish the species almost at any distance. Its flight is more like that of an ordinary 
Petrel, and it has the same habit of coming up close under the stern of the ship and down into the 
trough of the sea. 

On my last voyage to England {vid Cape Horn) on the I6th March, about lat. 55° S. and long. 
144° W. — in a heavy westerly wind with the thermometer very low,— a pair of these birds came up 
to us and followed our steamer during a great part of the day, although she was making nearly 20 
knots an hour. 

An egg of this species examined by me is of a narrow elliptical form, measuring 4'2 inches in 
length by 2 7 in breadth ; of a dingy brownish white, splashed, dotted, and marked all over its larger 
pole with dull blackish brown. Another, of the same length but somewhat narrower, is of a clear 
greyish white, minutely and indistinctly spotted, and presenting a pretty regular zone of sepia-brown 
near its larger end. 


Some naturalists separate this form from the other Albatroses under the generic name of 
Phoeletria, Eeich., with the following distinguishing characters: — Bill excessively compressed; a 
sulcus on the sides of lower mandible ; feathers forming a deep re-entrant angle on culmen ; an acute 
salient on one side of lower mandible ; nostrils very large ; tail elongated and cuneate. 

As mentioned on page 202, it has been proposed to treat three of the preceding forms of Albatros 
as belonging to one and the same species, but the more specimens I examine the more satisfied I am 
as to their being specifically distinct. In B. cUororhyncha the shape of the head and whole ex- 
pression of the face are so entirely different from D. melanophrys that I do not understand how 
any naturalist who has compared them can confound the species. The dark loral spot is one of the 
distinguishing features of B. mclcinopliTys, but I have seen a very old example in which it had 
entirely disappeared, the whole of the head and neck being snowy white. 

In the Natural-PIistory Museum of the Jardin des Plantes there is a beautiful specimen of 
Biomedea culminata ; head and entire neck delicate uniform slate-grey ; there is no loral spot, but 
there is a dark rim round the eyes ; bill black, with the culmen yellow, broadening on the hook ; 
lower edge of under mandible up to commencement of the symphysial margin, and forming an angle 
upwards at the base, bright yellow. In the same collection there is a very fine speciriien of B. chloro- 
rliynclia, in which the forehead and crown are pure white ; the cheeks and face of a very delicate 
pearl-grey, this wash presenting a distinct boundary line extending from the mandible to the upper 
margin of the eyes ; bill black, with the ridge of the upper mandible and the extreme tip of the lower 
bright yellow, this colour running up into an acute point near the root of the bill, and spreadino’ out 
on the hook, where it deepens into orange-red. In the Liverpool Museum there are two specimens 
of B. melanophrys, in which the colour of the bill is changing from brownish black to yellow. In 
two specimens of B. chlororhyncha in the same collection the bill is perfectly black, with a brio-ht 
yellow culmen, changing to reddish on the ridge of the unguis. 


Orbee TUBINARES.] 


[Fam. PROCELLARIID^. 


PELECANOIDES UEINATEIX. 

(DIVING-PETREL.) 


Living Petrel, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 413 (1785). 

Procellaria urinatrix, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 560 (1788, ex Lath.). 
Pelecanoides urinatrix, Lacep. Mem. de I’lnst. 1800, p. 517. 

Halodroma urinatrix, llliger. Prodr. Syst. Mamm. et Av. p. 274 (1811). 
Procellaria tridactyla, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 149 (1844). 

Puffinuria urinatrix, Gonld, B. of Austr. pi. 60 (1848). 

Ilaladroma herardii, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 206 (1857, nec Temm.). 


Ad. supra, iiitenti-niger, scapularibus albo apicaliter vix notatis : collo lateral! fuscesceuti-ciuereo ; fronte brunnes- 
cente : subtus albus, bypocboudriis cinereo lavatis : rostro nigro : pedibus cyanescentibus, viridi tinctis, 
palmis cyanescenti-albis : iride nigr&. 

Adult. Crown and sides of the head, hind neck, and all the upper surface shining steel-black ; the forehead 
tinged with brown, the sides of the neck dusky, and the scapulars touched with white ; throat, fore neck, 
and all the underparts pure white ; the sides of the body and flanks sometimes stained with grey. Irides 
and bill black; legs and feet cobalt, tinged with green, the webs bluish white. Length 9'5 inches; extent 
of wings 16-5 ; wing, from flexure, S'S ; tail 2; bill, along the ridge '75, along the edge of lower mandible 
•75 ; tarsus 1 ; middle toe and claw 1‘5. 

Nestling. Covered with sooty-grey down ; head and neck nearly bare ; black feathers first appear on the wings. 


The Diving-Petrel is very common in the seas surrounding New Zealand, consorting in flocks, and 
living on medusse and other marine productions. It is specially abundant at all seasons in the Gulf 
of Hauraki. Its flight, which is rather laboured, consists of a rapid fluttering movement along the 
surface of the water : then it drops and dives through the waves with amazing agility. Latham 
states that they “ croak like frogs, and sometimes make a noise like the cackling of a hen.” My 
description is taken from a specimen picked up on the Waikanae beach in September 1863. 

They swim in the sea with the head much uplifted, and are very active on the water. 

Some years ago, during a severe gale, many hundreds of them were cast ashore in the Bay of 
Plenty, and it was observed that a number of them were afflicted with a large flat tick measuring ‘25 
of an inch across the body and legs. 

The stomach of one I opened contained black comminuted matter and one or two small seeds, 
apparently of some kind of seaweed. I observed that the skin of this bird was very tough and thick, 
the roots of the feathers appearing underneath as in the Penguins and some other birds. 

The young birds are so fat that it may truly be said ot them that a wick inserted through the 
body of a dead one will burn as steadily as if in a lamp ! 

Mr. Burton found this Petrel breeding on Stephen’s Island, in Cook’s Strait. It also breeds on 
Karewa Island (off Tauranga), on the small islets off the Great Barrier, and on the “ Hen and Chickens. 

Specimens of the egg in my son’s collection from Portland Island are almost spherical, measuring 
1'5 inch in length by 1’2 in breadth; they are yellowish white, with a smooth surface. 


Oebee TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLAEIID^. 


PELECANOIDES BEEAEDI. 

(BERAED^S DIVING-PETREL.) 


Procellaria herard, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. Uran., Zool. p. 135 (1824). 
Haladroma herardii, Temm. PI. Col. 517 (1831). 

Pelecanoides herardii. Gray, Gen. of B. iii. p. 646 (1844). 


Ad. similis P. urinatrici, sed rostro tenuiore, pedibus flavicantibus, palmis nigricantibus. 

Adult. Similar to P. urinatrix, but with a more slender bill, and having the legs and feet yellowish, with dark 
webs. Length 7 inches; wing, from flexure, 4'25 ; tail 1‘5 ; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 
•6, from gape to extremity of lower mandible -8; tarsus '75; middle toe and claw I'l. 


The above description was taken from a specimen obtained by Mr. Henry Travers on Pitt’s Island, 
in January 1872, this being my authority for admitting the species into our list of birds. I have 
never met with it since in New Zealand, and am somewhat in doubt about the propriety of retaining 
the species, the colour of the feet being a very unreliable test of specific distinctness. I ought, how- 
ever, to mention that I examined four specimens in the Natural-History Museum at the Jardin des 
Plantes, and that they all had yellowish legs and feet. 

Dr. Finsch also identified a specimen brought by Mr. Henry Travers as belonging to this species 
Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. vii. p. 234). 

It is very closely allied to P. urinatrix ; and its habits of life are doubtless the same. 

At noon on the 29th of December, as we were passing Eangitoto, near the entrance to the 
Auckland harbour, in a little costal steamer, we came upon a flock of Petrels to the number of 80 or 
100. They allowed us to approach very near before they rose ; then they took wing irregularly, kept 
close to the surface, with a vigorous flight, and took to the water again nearer to the island. I could 
not positively identify the bird, but it probably was either this species or the preceding one. The 
flock kept well together, and the birds seemed very restless and playful. 

Mr. Percy Seymour sends me the following note : — “ I have obtained information on good autho 
rity of eggs being collected after August 15th which contained embryos, and fresh eggs again in 
October. It builds a small nest in a burrow, but I have not yet obtained the egg.” 

Mr. A. J. Campbell writes : — “ On some isolated islets in Bass’s Strait, Diving-Petrels are 
numerous. They generally remain in the vicinity of these rocks, but at times disappear for two or 
three months. . During June and July the birds come ashore to scrape out or prepare their nest- 
burrows. The laying-season occurs about the end of July, and continues for about a fortnight. Each 
female bird deposits one egg only in a burrow, which is from 6 to 8 inches deep, under ground or 
under a ledge of rock.” 


Oeder TUBINARES.] 


[Pam. PEOCELLAEIID^. 


PEION TIJETUE. 

(DOVE PETREL.) 


Procellaria turtur, Kuhl, Moiiogr. Procell. p. 143, pi. xi. fig. 8 (1820, ex Banks MS.). 
Prion turtur, Gould, Ann. N. H. xiii. p. 366 (1844). 

Halohwna typica, Bonap. C. E. xlii. p. 768 (1856). 

Pseudoprion turtur, Coues, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 166. 


Plative names. — Whiroia and Totorore. 

Ad. suprti pulchre et saturate cinereus, scapularibus brunnescentibus albo terminatis : tectricibus alarum clorso 
coiicoloribus, minimis brunnescentibus : remigibus fuliginoso-brunneis, intus albis, secundariis cinereis : 
cauda cinereA ad apicem brunueo fasciata : facie antica alba minute cinereo punctulata : supercilio albo ab 
oculo postico suprk regionem paroticam ducto : plumis subocnlaribus et regione paroticd cinereis ; facie 
laterali et corpore reliquo subtus albo, pectore laterali summo et hypocbondriis imis pulclire cinereis : srxb- 
alaribus albis : rostro dare cinereo, ad basin nigricante : pedibus pallide cinereis, antice viridi lavatis, palmis 
albicanti-canis : iride nigricanti-brunnea. 

Adult. Crown of tbe head, back of neck, and upper parts generally delicate blue-grey ; a small spot in front of 
the eyes and a streak below them greyish black ; space surrounding the bill, the lores, a broad line above 
and continued beyond the eyes, the throat, fore neck, and all the under surface pure white, tinged on the 
sides of the body and flanks with blue-grey ; the primaries and their coverts are black on their outer webs ; 
a black band with fading edges covers the smaller wing-coverts, and passes across the lower region of the 
back and the scapulars, leaving the tips of the latter white ; and when the wings are expanded this assumes 
the form of a crescent ; the middle tail-feathers arc blackish toAvards the tips, and their under-coverts are 
tinged with blue. Irides brownish black ; bill bluish grey, darker on the sides, and inclining to black at 
the base; legs and feet light blue, tinged with green in front, the webs whitish grey. Total length 11 
inches ; extent of wings 22; wing, from flexure, 7 ; tail 3 ; bill, along the ridge 1, greatest width at base '4, 
length of lower mandible 1'2; tarsus 1‘5 ; middle toe and claw 1‘6. 

Young. Assumes the adult plumage on emerging from the downy state. 

Chick. Covered with thick, soft doAvn, and having much the appearance of a little ball of wool. General colour 
grey ; whitish on the fore ncek, breast, and abdomen. Bill whitish horn-colour at the tip. 

Nestling. The downy covering darkens to a slaty grey as the young bird advances, and the feathers begin first 
to show themselves on the wings. 


This charming little Petrel is extremely abundant off our coasts, and I have often observed fiocks of 
them on the wing together numbering many hundreds. In boisterous weather it appears to suffer 
more than any other oceanic species from the fury of the tempest, and the sea-beach is sometimes 
found literally strewn with the bodies of the dead and dying. I have frequently watched them 
battling, as it were, with the storm, till at length, unable longer to keep to windward, they have been 
mercilessly borne down upon the sands, and being unable, from sheer exhaustion, to rise on the wing 
again, have been beaten to death by the rolling surf or pounced upon and devoured by a hovering 


210 


Sea-Gull. On picking them up and placing them in the pocket of my overcoat, they have soon 
revived, and in some instances have lived for several days on a diet of fresh meat, minced into small 
pieces. From the increased activity they always manifested on the approach of night, seeking the 
darker corners of the room and fluttering about in a very excited manner, with a rapid twittering 
note, I conclude that, whether at sea or on land, this Petrel is more nocturnal than diurnal in its 
habits. During the day the eyes were always half closed, imparting a peculiar fretful expression to 
the face. One circumstance interested me much, as illustrating the force of habit. On taking up 
one of these birds and inserting its bill in a glass of water, it at once commenced to move its feet, as 
if in the act of swimming or treading the waves. I repeated the experiment many times, and always 
with the same result. 

This Petrel, like many of the others, feeds on squids and other small jelly-flsh, which contribute 
likewise to the support of our great cetaceans. The presence of large flocks at sea is regarded by 
whalers as a favourable sign on this account, and among sailors the Dove Petrel is generally known 
as the “ Whale bird.” 

In rising from a plane surface I observed that they always accomplished it by running a few feet 
with the wings outstretched, so as to give the body an impetus forward ; and they seemed never to 
tire of climbing over the armchairs or other inclined surfaces in the room, using both wings and feet 
in this operation. At sea they are very active on the wing, and are rarely seen to rest on the water ; 
they hover over the rolling billows, and dance, fairy-like, in the trough of the sea, sometimes poising 
their bodies like butterflies over a flower, at others cutting the air with the swiftness of a meteor, and 
alw-ays apparently intent on the one object of seeking the small marine animals on which they feed. 

In the winter of 1878 I had occasion to visit the Wellington west coast, after a north-west 
gale had been blowing for several days, and I found that large numbers of Prion had been killed by 
the fury of the tempest and their bodies washed ashore on the beach. In travelling by coach from 
Waikanae to Otaki, a distance of only ten miles, I counted no less than twenty-seven lying on the 
strand, and there were probably many more. As I performed the rest of the journey to Manawatu in 
a buggy, I was able to stop and pick up specimens. In this way I was fortunate enough to obtain, 
during one day, twenty fresh birds. Of these, twelve were referable without hesitation to Prion turtur 
and eight to P. lanlcsii. The difference in the size and form of the bill was constant, and among 
individuals of each species there was only a slight variation. 

Reischek found this Petrel breeding in holes underground, on both the Little Barrier and the 
Ohickens ; but it was very scarce, and met with only on the highest wooded ridges in the centre of 
the island. lie found a fresh egg on the 1st November, and met with young birds (one in each nest) 
in the beginning of December, and reports that during the breeding-season this Petrel hovers about 
after dusk, making a noise like the cackling of a Bantam-hen after laying her egg, but not quite 
so loud. 

Of the egg of this species I have received specimens from the Island of Kapiti, in Cook’s Strait, 
where also Mr. Percy Seymour obtained fresh ones on the 20th October. The egg is of a regular 
ovoid form, measuring 1'8 inch in length by I‘5 in breadth; it is creamy white, and generally much 
soiled over the entire surface. Examples vary slightly in form and size, one of the specimens in my 
son’s collection measuring P8 inch by 1’2, and another 1’7 inch by 1‘3. 


Order TUBINIEES.] 


[Fam. PROCELLAEIID^. 


PRION BANKSII. 

(BANKS’S DOVE PETREL.) 


Prion lanTcsii, Gould, Ann. N. H. xiii. p. 366 (1844). 

Prion rossii. Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. Anseres, p. 165 (1844). 

Pachyptila banksi. Smith, 111. Zool. S. Afr., Birds, pi. Iv. (1849). 

Procellaria hanJcsii, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Procell. p. 17 (1863). 

Pseudoprion banksii, Coues, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 166. 

■ Ad. similis P. turturi, sed rostro latiore, pileo saturatiore et cauda nigro latius terminata distinguendus. 

Adult. Plumage similar to that of P. turtur, but with the crown of the head darker, and a broader terminal band 
of black on the tail : distinguished by its broader bill. Total length llA inches ; wing, from flexure, 9 ; 
tail 3-5 ; bill, along the ridge 1-35, greatest width at the base -6, from gape to extremity of lower mandible 
l-3o ; tarsus I'd; middle toe and claw I'o. 

Nestling. Covered with slaty-grey down. 


1 WAS formerly much in doubt about the propriety of retaining the above specific distinction ; but a 
further investigation of the subject has satisfied me that the species is a good one. After a storm on 
the coast in the month of July I found the Otaki beach strewn with the bodies of the Dove Petrel ; 
and had thus an opportunity of collecting a large number for comparison. Apart from the slight 
differences of colour, P. banMi has the tail longer and more conical, the wing decidedly longer, and 
the bill appreciably broader at the base than in P. turtur ; besides which the unguis or hooked extre- 
mity has a very different form *. 

Mr. Gould, in treating of the group, says that Prion Uriel is much smaller than P. turtur, and 
that the pectination of the bill is not discernible when that organ is closed, that P. turtur is the most 
delicate in colour as well as the most slender and elegant in form of the four species inhabiting the 
southern ocean, that P. hanTcsii has the bill of a breadth intermediate between that of P . turtur and 
that of P. vittatus and exhibiting the pectination of the mandibles when closed, and that “ there is 
another and broader-billed species than P. vittatus ” not yet described. Captain Hutton, writing on 
the same subject, observes “ A regular sequence of the Prions can be formed from P. vittatus to 
P. ariel ; and therefore I do not think it desirable to retain more than three specific names, to mark 
each end and the centre of the chain ; and ariel, as the latest, will have to be omitted. On the 
New-Zealand coast the intermediate (P. banMi) is much the most common "f. In the last observation 
I cannot concur ; for P. turtur is certainly far more plentiful on every part of the coast that I have 
visited ; and, as already mentioned in treating of the species, numbers are cast ashore after every gale 
of wind. According to my experience the broad-billed form is far less common than either P. turtur 
or P. hanJcsii. 

* At a Meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society, held on the 29th January, 1876, five examples of the adult a 
young of Prion hanlcsii, together with a specimen of the egg, were exhibited; and the Author pointed out the characters 
to his mind, sufficiently distinguished this species from Prion turtur on the one hand, and Prion vittatus on the other. e 
specimens exhibited were obtained on the small islands off the Kew-Zealand coast, known as “The Brothers. ( lans. 

Inst. vol. viii. p. 197.) 

t Cat. Birds of New Zealand, 1871, p. 80. 9^9 


Oebee TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PROCELLAEIIDJi. 


PRION VITTATUS. 

(BROAD-BILLED DOVE PETREL.) 


Broad-billed Petrel, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 414 (1785). 
Procellaria vittata, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 560 (1788, ex Lath.). 
Procellaria forsteri. Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. p. 827 (1790). 

Prion vittatus, Lacep. Mem. de I’lnst. 1800, p. 514. 

Pachyptila vittata, llliger. Prodr. p. 275 (1811). 

Procellaria latirostris, Bonn, et Vieill. Enc. Meth. i. p. 81 (1823). 
Pachyptila forsteri, Swains. Classif. of B. ii. p. 374 (1837). 

Prion australis, Potts, Ibis, 1873, p. 85. 


Ad. similis P. banksii, sed saturatior : pileo et facie laterali nigricanti-cinereis : tectricibus alarum brunneo lavatis : 
staturd majore et rostro conspicue latiore facile distinguendus. 

Adult. Similar to P. banksii, but darker, the crown of tbe bead, the sides of the face, and the ear-coverts being 
blackish grey, and the wing-coverts shaded with brown : distinguished by its larger size and much broader 
bill. Irides brownish black ; bill blue-black on the upper mandible, greyish blue on the lower, and on the 
bare membrane between the crura ; legs and feet pale blue. Total length 12'5 inches ; extent of wings 26 ; 
wiug, from flexure, 8'25 j tail 3’5; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 1'5, greatest width at the 
base "8, from gape to extremity of lower mandible 1‘7 ; tarsus 1‘2 ; middle toe and claw 1'6. 


Although closely resembling the preceding species in the colours of the plumage, this Prion may be 
readily distinguished by the peculiar form of its bill, which is much dilated at the base, and very 
conspicuously pectinated along the edges. 

As already stated in treating of Prion turtur, after boisterous weather in July I found the sea- 
beach between Waikanae and Manawatu strewn with the dead bodies of Prion turtur and P. banksii, 
the former species predominating. Having occasion to make the journey again after stormy weather 
in the early part of the following month, I found the strand strewn with even a larger number of 
bodies, but, strange to say, nearly all belonging to the very broad-billed species, Prion vittatus. Out 
of twenty-four specimens picked up in succession, there were only three of Prion turdur and none of 
P. banksii. Scores of others which I was able to determine from the box-seat of the coach belonged to 
P. vittatus, wnth here and there a P. turtur, but not a single example could I find of the intermediate 
form so plentiful a month before. It may be inferred from this singular fact that the species do not 
intermingle, but fly in separate communities. I have observed flocks of Prion turtur on the wing 
together numbering many hundreds. Prion vittatus and P. banksii in like manner, no doubt, keep 
to themselves, for it is evident that the flocks in the vicinity of our coast, when caught in the fatal 
storm on the occasion I have referred to, were composed almost exclusively of Prion vittatus. 

I opened a large number of these birds for the purpose of ascertaining on what they had been 
feeding. As might have been expected with storm-tossed fugitives, the stomachs of many were quite 
empty. In others there was a black mass of comminuted matter, and in two or three of them T 
detected among this matter what appeared to be the beaks of a very minute cephalopod. 

Two eggs of this species, collected by Macgillivray on the island of St. Paul, in the Indian Ocean, 
are pure white, and measure 2 inches in length hy 1'5 in breadth. 


Ordee TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLARIID^. 


PEION AEIEL 

(GOULD’S DOVE PETREL.) 


Prion ariel, Gould, Ann. N. H. xiii. p. 366 (1 844). 
Procellaria ariel, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Procell. p. 18 (1863). 
Pseudoprion ariel. Cones, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 166. 


Ad. similis P. turturi, sed minor. 

Adult. Similar in plumage to Prion turtur, hut smaller in all its proportions. Total length 10 inches j wing, 
from flexure, 6'5 j tail 2-25 ; hill, along the ridge -75, along the edge of lower mandihle 1 ; tarsus 1 ■, middle 
toe and claw 1'5. 


This is the smallest of the Prions. On the 13th February, 1881, I picked up two storm-killed 
specimens on the beach near Otaki ; and on the same day I caught with my hand another that was 
fluttering on the wing evidently much exhausted by its efforts to preserve life. This was a female, 
and from being storm-driven the stomach was empty. It is undistinguishable from P. turtur except 
by its smaller size, and I am in doubt about the propriety of keeping it separate *. 

On one occasion, when nearly thirty miles from land, about sundown, just as the sky had become 
overcast, I observed large flights of the Dove Petrel — sometimes in close communities, sometimes 
more widely scattered — all coming in the same direction and taking a south-west course. This 
constant stream of passengers was kept up till dark, and probably much later ; but during the time 
they were visible some tens of thousands must have passed by us, all of them, under some 
common impulse, making for mid-ocean. Long after dark, I noticed a flock of them hunting in 
company and very near the surface of the water on our weather port. 

A friend who visited Mutton Island, towards the end of December, assures me that he found 
numbers of young Dove Petrels nesting in holes burrowed in the layers of guano, and looking like 
little balls of bluish-grey down, but he saw no old birds during his stay there of several hours ; and 
it is rather a curious circumstance that the nests were all on the southern side of the island, probably 
on account of its more sheltered position. 

Mr. Sharpe, adopting Latham’s view, has suggested (Zool. Kerg. Island, p. 139) that the differ- 
ence in the bill which characterizes the various species of Prion may be only a sexual character. 
But I think I have placed that point beyond all question. The twenty specimens mentioned on 
page 210 were carefully dissected by me, with the following results : — Of Prion hanicsii there 
were four males and four females ; of P. turtur there were seven males and five females. In some 
cases, owing to the state of the reproductive organs at that season of the year (first week in July), I 
was unable to determine the sex with absolute certainty. In others, however, the testes were suffici- 
ently conspicuous ; whilst in two females of P. turtur and in one of P. hanicsii I was able to detect a 
bunch of undeveloped eggs. The examination in this respect was therefore conclusive. 

* Mr. Sharpe says (“ Zool. of Kerg. Island,” Phil. Trans. E. S. p. 1 01) that he considers Prion arid “ nothing but the 3 'oung, 
of P. turtur', ” hut the bird described above was a fullj' matured one. 


Order TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLAEIII)^. 


HALOB^NA CiEEULEA. 

(BLUE PETREL.) 


Blue Petrel, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 415 (1785). 

Procellaria cmrulea, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 560 (1/88, ex Lath.). 
Pachyptila cmrulea, Illiger, Prodr. p. 275 (1811). 

Procellaria similis, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 59 (1844). 

Procellaria forsteri. Smith, 111. Zool. S. Afr. pi. 411 (1849). 

Halobmna cmrulea, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 768 (1856). 

Ftdmarus cmruleus. Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 107 (1871). 

Procellaria cmrulea, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p, 306 (1873). 


Ad. suprtl dare cineretts, pileo summo brunnescente lavato : tectridbus alarum minimis et ala spuria brunnescen- 
tibus : remigibus extus brunnescenti-dnei’eis, intiis albis, secundariis darius duereis : cauda obscure dnerca 
albo terminate, rectrice extima albicante ; fronte, loris, supercilio indistincto, facie laterali et corpore subtiis 
toto albis, pectoris superioris lateribus et bypochondriis imis cinereis : rostro rufescenti-brunneo, culmine et 
apiee saturatioribus : pedibus flavicanti-albidis : iride nigr^. 

Adult, Upper surface pale ashy grey, darker on the scapulars and washed on the crown of the head with brown; 
tbe whole of the small wing-coverts as well as the primary coverts greyish brown ; forehead, sides of the 
face, an indistinct line over the eyes, the throat, fore neck, and all the under surface pure white, stained on 
the sides of the breast and on the lower part of flanks with ashy grey ; outer primaries greyish brown, with 
black shafts, whitish on their inner webs ; inner primaries and secondaries dark grey on their outer webs ; 
middle tail-feathers greyish brown, largely tipped with white, the lateral ones uniform dark grey, and the 
outermost one on each side entirely white. Irides blaek ; bill reddish brown, darker on the ridge and at 
the tips ; legs and feet yellowish white, with brown claws. Length 11'5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 8 5 ; 
tail 3’5 ; bill, following curvature of upper mandible 1'3, from gape to extremity of lower mandible 14; 
tarsus 1-2 ; middle toe and claw 1’6. 

Mr. Gould states that he found this species “ very abundant off the north-east coast of New Zealand ” 
in May 1840, and that he observed it in every part of the ocean he traversed between the 40th and 
55th degrees of south latitude, both in the Atlantic and Pacific. Nevertheless it is a very rare bird 
in local collections. The Auckland Museum has, for some years past, possessed a specimen, and in 
1877 I received one, in very perfect plumage, from Mr. C. H. Eobson of Cape Campbell. 1 have 
not met with any other examples. 

Mr. Layard records that “it is not uncommon along the coast of South Africa, and is occasionally 
cast ashore after a gale of wind.” 

It is readily distinguished by the scapulars being edged and the tail-feathers broadly tipped with 
white. 

Of the egg of this species Mr. Howard Saunders (in his account of the collection brought from 
Kerguelen Island by the Transit of Venus Expedition) says that the nine or ten specimens varied a 
good deal in size, the average being 1'9 inch in length by 1‘5 inch in breadth ; also that the shell has 
a granulated surface, and is “ of the dead white colour characteristic of the birds of this family,” 
besides having the usual musky smell. 


Oedee TUBINAKES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLABIII)^. 


DAPTION CAPENSIS. 

(PINTADO PETREL.) 


Frocellaria capensis, Linn. S 3 -st. Nat. i. p. 213 (1766). 

Daption capensis, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. p. 241 (1826). 

Frocellaria punctata, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 74/3. 

Ad. pileo et collo postico usque ad interscapulium fuliginosis : dorsi totius plumis albis ad apicem conspicub 
fuliginoso maculatis : tectricibus alarum minimis fuliginosis, medianis et majoribus intenoribus ad basin 
conspicue albis : remigibus fuliginoso-brunneis, intiis ad basin albis, secundariis albis, ad apicem fuliginoso 
maculatis : caudie dimidio basali albo, apicali late fuliginoso-brunneo : mento fuliginoso : corpore reliquo 
subtus albo, subcaudalibus exterioribus et subalaribus marginalibus fuliginosis : rostro nigro : pedibus 
saturatb brunneis : iride nigra. 

Adult. The whole of the bead, throat, back, and sides of the neck sooty black ; the back, mantle, rump, and 
upper tail-coverts white, handsomely spotted with sooty black, each feather marked wiDi a terminal trian- 
gular spot of that colour ; fore neck, breast, and all the underparts pure white j primaries blackish brown, 
paler on the inner webs, and more or less varied with white j secondaries and scapulars vvhite towards the 
base, black in their apical portion ; wing-coverts sooty black, the longer ones varied with white ; under 
surface of wings white, stained with sooty grey towards the edges ; the long under tail-coverts tipped with 
sooty grey. Irides and bill black ; legs and feet dark brown. Length 15 inches ; wing, from flexure, 10 ; 
tail 4; bill, following curvature of upper mandible I'So, length of lower mandible I'd; tarsus lA ; middle 

toe and claw 2. 


To those who have made a voyage in the southern hemisphere probably no bird is so familiar as the 
so-called “ Cape-Pigeon.” 

It is numerous off the New-Zealand coast at most seasons of the year, and is the commonest of 
the birds inhabiting our seas. Nor indeed does it seem to be limited to any particular tract of ocean, 
for it is met with in all the colder latitudes. 

In stormy weather it often approaches the land, following in the wake of the tossing vessel, 
hovering gracefully over the water, and occasionally alighting on the surface to pick up any floating 
substance that may arrest its attention. On one occasion, in comparatively smooth weather, a number 
of these birds attended our little steamer to the very mouth of the Wanganui river; but this 
occurrence was quite exceptional. 

I do not know any more pretty sight than to watch the Cape-Pigeons on the wing. They move 
about with such absolute command of wing, presenting to the observer alternately their snow-white 
breast and then their prettily marked upper surface, the whole set oft by their sooty black head and 
neck, that they look like large painted moths hovering in the air. The eye never tires of following 
them and noting their ever-varying evolutions, all performed with the utmost ease and gracefulness. 
Unlike the Albatroses and other sea-birds which exhibit a considerable amount of individual \aiia- 
tion, one is struck with the wonderful uniformity in the plumage of these birds. All have the same 
freckled and spotted back and rump, and the same broad splash of white on the upper surface of each 
wing. There is no transitional plumage from the young to the adult states, and no difference observ- 
able between the sexes. 


216 


When clustering together and disputing for the possession of some floating offal, they utter a 
low cackling note, like Jca-Jca-ka-ka. 

The peculiar roundness of back which characterizes the various species of Albatros and other 
Procellariidae, when on the wing, is conspicuously apparent in this bird. 

Professor Hutton states that he has observed a Cape-Pigeon following a ship for several days in 
succession, when she has been making from 150 to 200 miles in the twenty-four hours. He adds : — 
“ It is, I believe, the generally received opinion of naturalists that these birds, when seen for several 
days together, have never slept during the whole period, but have followed the ship night and day. 
To me, however, it appears incredible that any animal should be able to undergo so much exertion 
for so long a time without taking rest. Mr. Gould says that birds caught and marked are generally 
seen next day ; but such is not my experience. I have sometimes marked ten or twelve Cape-Pigeons 
in a day, and seldom seen one again. Mr. Gould, however, is quite right when he says that some- 
times a marked bird turns up after being absent for two or three days ; and how can this be accounted 
for by the theoi’y of the birds constantly following the ship 1 Most of the Petrels, more particularly 
those that burrow or live in holes in rocks, are no doubt nocturnal in their habits when they are on 
or near land ; but when they are at sea they all become more diurnal. A few can certainly be often 
seen flying under the stern at night ; and once, when I was keeping the middle watch, at about 1 a.m., 
a Cape-Pigeon, in crossing over the ship, struck a rope and fell on deck. Still they are never 
numerous, and where there were fifty or a hundred birds in the daytime there ai'e only one or two at 
night. Their defenceless condition is, as far as I can see, the only reason for the Petrels hiding 
themselves by day and flying by night ; for the oceanic mollusca &c. on which they feed are equally 
diurnal and nocturnal. At sea, however, where they have no enemies to fear and no holes to hide 
in, the conditions are quite different, and it is then better for them to take their rest at night and to 
be alert and feeding in the daytime, and they change their habits accordingly. I thei'efore believe 
that, although a few may follow a ship for a night, most of them sleep on the sea; and in the 
morning, knowing very well that a ship is the most likely place to obtain food, they fly high with the 
intention of looking for one. Some find the ship that they were with the day before ; some another 
one. In the latter case, if the second ship is going in an opposite direction to the first, they are 
never seen by the first again ; if, hoAvever, the course of the two ships is the same, the bird might 
very likely lose the second ship and rejoin the first, after a lapse of two or three days. A height of 
1000 feet would enable a bird to see a ship 200 feet high more than fifty miles off; and often, 
although unable to see a ship itself, it would see another bird which had evidently discovered one, 
and would folloAV it in the same way that Vultures are known to follow one another. This opinion 
is much strengthened by the fact that at sunrise very few birds are round the ship, but soon after- 
wards they begin to arrive in large numbers ; and I think I may safely say that this is always the 
case ; for, having had to be on deck from four to eight o’clock every third morning for six of my 
voyages, and about once a week during my last voyage, I have had better opportunities for observing 
this than most people.” (Ibis, 1865, pp. 292-294.) 

Mr. Layard writes : — “ At one season of the year, about November and December, they disappear, 
and the voyager finds the sea duller and tamer than ever. We presume they go off to breed ; but 
Avhere they select their nurseries we know not.” 

Sealers declare that the only locality known as a breeding-place of this species is the island of 
South Georgia ; and, common as the bird is in all the temperate latitudes of the Atlantic and Pacific 
Oceans, its egg is still a desideratum in all the known collections. 


Order TUBINAEES.] 


[Eam. PKOCELLAEIIDJi:, 


(ESTKELATA COOKII. 

(COOKES PETREL.) 


Procellaria cooMi, Gray in DiefF. Trav. ii. p. 199 (1843). 

Procellaria leucoptera, Gould, P. Z. S. 1844, p. 57. 

Procellaria irevipes, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp., Birds, p. 294 (1848). 
Pkantistes cooJci, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 768 (1856). 

Rhantistes velox, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 768 (1856). 

Coolcilaria leucoptera, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 190 (1857). 

Coolcilaria velox, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 190 (1857). 

2Estrelafa cooMi, Coues, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 152. 

Fnlmarus cooMi, Gray, Hand-1, of B. hi. p. 106 (1871). 

Fulmarus leucopterus. Gray, Hand-1, of B. hi. p. 106 (1871). 
Procellaria coohii, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 307 (1873). 


Native name. — Titi. 


Ad. suprk saturate cinereus, plumis quibusdem pallidius terminatis : ala tota nigricanti-brunnea, primariis et secun- 
dariis intus albis, his fere omninb albis : rectricibus centralibus cinerascentibus, reliquis albo variis, duabus 
externis intus pure albis ; fronte alb4, cinerascenti-nigro varia : regione suboculari couspicue cinerascenti- 
nigra : facie lateral! et corpore subtbs albis, pectoris lateribus cinereo lavatis et minute variis : subalaribus 
albis, exterioribus plus minusve nigricantibus : rostro nigro : pedibus flavicanti-brunneis, palmis pallidiori- 
bus : iride nigra. 

Adult. Crown of the head, hind part and sides of the neck, the back, rump, and upper tail-coverts dark ashy 
grey, changing to slaty grey in certain lights, the tips of the feathers paler, or very narrowly margined with 
greyish white, giving a peculiarly soft effect to the plumage ; entire upper surface of the wings blackish 
brown, the primaries largely, and the secondaries entirely white on their inner webs ; the forehead white, 
each feather largely centred with greyish black, presenting a spotted appearance on the surface ; under the 
eyes a broad mark of greyish black ; sides of the face, throat, fore neck, and all the underparts pure white, 
stained and freckled on the sides of the breast with ashy grey ; under surface of wings white, largely marked 
with greyish black along the outer edges ; middle tail-feathers dark ashy grey, the lateral ones mottled or 
freckled, and the two outermost ones on each side entirely Avhite on their inner webs. Irides and bill black ; 
legs and feet pale purplish blue, with the webs a little darker and yellowish. Total length 13-5 inches ; wing, 
from flexure, 9-25 ; tail 4 ; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 1-4, length of lower mandible 1'5 ; 
tarsus 1'2 ; middle toe and claw 1'5. 

I HAVE taken the above description from the type specimen in the British Museum, which was obtained 
off the New-Zealand coast. Up to the time of my first edition I had never met with it, although 
informed of a specimen in the collection of the Rev. R. Laishley, at Auckland. Numerous examples 
have since been received from the Hauraki Gulf and other localities, but it has not yet been recorded 
in the South Island. This Petrel seems to be generally distributed around our coasts, at any rate to the 
north of Cook’s Strait. It is diurnal in its habits, and on a fine sunny afternoon in April, while lying 
off the port of Napier, a score or more of them passed our weather-bow, displaying the contrasts of 
VOL. II. 2 p 


218 


their plumage, and looking like huge moths fluttering over the troubled waters. The dark wings 
are conspicuous against the grey and white plumage of the body, and make it easy to distinguish this 
bird on the wing from all the other Petrels of similar size. They fly low, sometimes skimming the 
water, with their wings aslant, and appear generally to be moving in a scattered community. I have 
observed it in the Hauraki Gulf sailing gracefully at a convenient distance from the steamer. Once 
I observed it dip into the water, touching the surface first with its feet and resting for a few moments 
before it took wing again. It was perhaps picking up something from the sea, but I was not near 
enough to observe this. Eeischek met with it on the Little Barrier, chiefly at the northern extremity 
of the island, and once on the Larger Chicken ; but it was a comparatively rare bird, even in the 
former place, and during several months’ sojourn he collected altogether about a dozen specimens. 
Of these he opened seven, and found that the stomachs contained nothing but seeds and small seaweed, 
without any of the oily matter so abundant in the stomachs of other Petrels. 

It deposits its single egg at the end of a burrow from three to eight feet long, very tortuous 
and entirely dug out by the birds themselves. At the extremity of this burrow there are invariably 
two chambers, one beyond the other, and in the further one usually the bird deposits her egg. Up 
to this time the male and female share the same compartment, but the male now withdraws himself, 
and for the rest of the breeding-season occupies another hole at some little distance from the nest. 
The burrows are generally on sloping ground, and, owing to their depth and extent, involved often 
two hours’ digging to get out the occupants. And here I may record a very wonderful fact in natural 
history, an excellent illustration of which by a local taxidermist attracted much attention at the 
Colonial and Indian Exhibition in 1886. On some of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, and on several 
groups of rocky islets otf the New-Zealand coast, there exists a very remarkable lizard, which has long 
since disappeared from the mainland. This is the tuatara of the Maoris and S^henodon of naturalists. 
But this is the point of interest to us at present: wherever the tuatara and burrowing Petrel co-exist, 
there appears to be a perfect understanding between them ; they share the same underground habita- 
tion and respect each other’s rights to the utmost. On the Chickens Mr. Reischek found the tuatara 
very abundant, and (I grieve to add) collected for the market some thirty or forty specimens, many 
of them of very large size. He assures me that in every instance he found the Petrel (sometimes 
(Estrelata cooMi, sometimes Puffinus assimilis) and a lizard occupying one and the same burrow. 
Often the terminal chamber had, as it were, two compartments, facing each other, one of which was 
occupied by the bird, the other by the lizard ; but generally the two were living “ cheek by jowl.” 
Whether the bird was sitting on its single egg or had hatched out its callow young, it was never 
without its attendant lizard, keeping watch over the Petrel’s nest as the Hesperides were wont of old to 
guard the golden apples which Gaia gave to the lady Here. Captain Mair tells me that he has observed 
exactly the same state of things on the island of Karewa, in the Bay of Plenty, where both tuataras 
and Petrels are abundant ; and his brother. Major Mair, sends me a similar report from the Eurima 
Rocks lying adjacent thereto. But here comes the curious part of the story. Mr. Reischek affirms 
positively that the lizard assumes the guardianship of the cave, and actively defends the nest against 
any invasion from without. Under ordinary circumstances the tuatara, in the wild state, does its best 
to escape, but here, as Mr. Reischek declares, whenever he attempted to meddle with the bird on the 
nest the lizard would immediately come to the rescue, attacking his hands and fingers with exceeding 
ferocity and biting fiercely. So real and constant was this mode of defence that he had at length to 
make it a rule to capture and remove this “ dragonette ” before attempting to handle the egg or 
young bird on the nest. 

The hreeding-season begins about the first week in October, or perhaps a little later, freshly-laid eggs 
having been found on November 2nd. The egg, which is perfectly white, is broadly ovoido-elliptical, 
and measures 1’9 inch in length by 1‘5 in breadth; the surface is smooth but not glossy. A rather 
larger example than usual, from the Little Barrier, measures 2T inches in length by 1-5 in breadth. 


Oedbb TUBINAEES.] 


rPAM. PEOCELLAKIID^. 


(ESTRELATA LESSON! 

(WHITE-HEADED PETREL.) 


Procellaria lessonii, Garnot, Ann, Sci. Nat, vii. p. 54, pi. 4 (1826). 

Procellaria leucocephala, Forst. Descr. Anim, p. 206 (1844). 

Ekantistes lessoni, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 768 (1856). 

Astrelata leucocephala, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 189 (1857). 

JEstrelata lessonii, Cass. Proc. Phil. Acad. 1862, p. 327. 

Fulmarus lessonii. Gray, Hand-1, of B. hi. p. 106 (1871). 

Procellaria lessoni, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 303 (1873). 

Ad. pileo summo et facie laterali albidis : regione ante- et suboculari nigricante : cello postico et laterali albicante 
obsolete cinereo transfa,sciato : interscapulio et dorso siiperiore obscure ciiiereis, ad apicem obsolete fulve- 
scente fasciatis : dorso postico et uropygio saturate fuliginosis, supracaudalibus albis, versus apicem cineia- 
scentibus : tectricibus alarum fuliginoso-brunneis, majoribus estus cinereis : remigibus fuliginoso-brunneis, 
intus cinerascentibus : caudi albd, pennis centralibus suprit cinereis, reliquis plus minusve obsolete bruuneo 
vermiculatis : corpore subtus albo : subalaribus fuliginoso-brunneis : rostro nigro : pedibus obsciirb tlavis, 
digito externo et palmis partim nigris : iride nigra. 

Adult. Crown of the bead and nape greyish white, obseurely and minutely freckled with darker grey ; back, 
mantle, and rump cinereous grey; upper surface of wdngs brownish black, the larger coverts narrowly edged 
with greyish white ; sides of the head white, with a broad mark of brownish black crossing the eyes ; throat, 
fore neck, and all the underparts pure white ; primaries and secondaries brownish black, lighter on their 
inner webs ; tail-feathers pale cinereous grey on their upper surface, and freckled at the tips ; inner lining 
of wings sooty black, varied with grey. Irides and bill black ; tarsi and a portion of the feet dull yellow , 
the outer toe of each foot and a diagonal patch across the webs black. Total length 18 inches ; wing, from 
flexure, 12; tail SA ; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 1-9, length of lower mandible 17; 
tarsus 1-6; middle toe and claw 2-5. 

I HAVE never seen this fine Petrel but once in New Zealand, and it is evidently very rare. The one I 
refer to was picked up in a dying condition, in the ocean surf, near Kaipara heads. Mr. Eeischek 
informs me that he saw it once at the Hen and Chickens, but could not secure it. The example 
figured in my former edition was obtained at the Bay of Islands, and is now in the British Mu sem. 
So far, therefore, as our present information goes, this bird confines its range to the ocean lying north- 
ward of New Zealand. 

Mr. Gould has given the following account of it in his ‘ Birds of Australia’ While engaged 
in watching the movements of the several species of the great family of P)Ocellarudce, which at one 
time often and often surrounded the ships that conveyed me round the world, a bright speck would 
appear on the distant horizon, and, gradually approaching nearer and nearer, at length assume the 
form of the White-headed Petrel, w’hose wing-powers far exceed those of any of its congeners : at one 
moment it would be rising high in the air, at the next sweeping comet-like through the flocks flying 
around ; never, however, approaching sufficiently near for a successful shot ; and it was equally wary 
in avoiding the boat with which I -was frequently favoured for the purpose of procuring examples of 
other species.” He states, moreover, that during flight the dark colouring on the wings shows very 
conspicuously, assuming the form of the letter W. ^ 


Okdee TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PROCELLAEIID^. 


CESTEELATA INCEETA. 

(DOUBTFUL PETREL.) 


Procellaria incerta, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Procell. p. 9 (1863). 
^strelata incerta, Coues, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 147. 


Ad. supr&, saturate fuliginoso-brunneus, alis obscurioribus : pileo colloque dorso concoloribus : subtus albus : sub- 
caudalibus apicaliter nigricanti-brunneis : rostro nigro : pedibus aurantiacis, digitis et membranis apicaliter 
nigricantibus : unguibus nigris. 

Adult. Head, neck all round, and all the upper surface dark sooty brown, deepening to brownish black on the 
wings and tail ; the feathers of the back and the small wing-coverts narrowly margined with pale brown ; 
in front of the eyes an obscure mark of black ; breast and abdomen pure white ; sides of the body stained 
with slaty grey ; inner lining of wings uniform blackish brown ; under tail-coA'erts, especially the longer 
ones, blackish brown in their apical portion. Bill black ; legs and feet orange-yellow, the outer toe and the 
interdigital webs, beyond the second joint, brownish black. Total length 19 inches j wing, from flexui'e, 
12'7o ; tail 5‘5 ; bill, along the ridge 1'9, along the edge of lower mandible 2 ; tarsus 1'75 ,- middle toe and 
claw 2‘5. 


This is a species that may with certainty be regarded as inhabiting the New-Zealand seas, although 
it may not be more plentiful than its near ally, CE. lessoni. 

Dr. Schlegel describes its range thus — “Southern Oceans: New Zealand, Australia, and New 
Caledonia ” ; and there is a specimen in the Leyden Museum labelled as having come from New 
Zealand. 

Dr. Coues thinks it likely that this bird will prove to be the young of CEstrelata lessoni ; but 
Mr. Salvin accepts it as a valid species, and the specimen in the British Museum from which I have 
taken my description appears to be a perfectly adult bird. 

This species has not often been recorded, but this is hardly surprising when one considers the 
nature of its habitat. After a voyage by sailing-vessel from N ew Zealand to London, Sir James 
Hector wrote to me : — “ I have been rather surprised at the small number of birds we have seen. 
For some days out from New Zealand we had Biomedea melano^hrys and another small species with 
a white head and mottled body. These were very common near the Bounty Islands, but w'ere not 
seen afterwards. The Mollymawks we had till we reached the South Tropic. It was not till we 
rounded the Horn that we saw any B. exulans or B. fuliginosa. The latter species I am positive 
we never saw . in the Pacific, as it is so easily recognized by the blue streak on the mandibles. It 
is very abundant between the Falkland Islands and latitude 30° S. Thalassidroma nereis followed us 
almost to the Horn ; but after entering the Atlantic T. melanogastra took its place, at first in 
large flocks, but since latitude 50° S. only a few stragglers have been seen. In the Pacific I saw 
one Lestris, and large flocks of ‘ Whale-birds,’ as the sailors call them, which were the Blue Billy 
{Prion turtur) ; but in the South Atlantic we met flocks of another but larger-sized grey bird, which 
they also called ‘Whale-birds.’ These w'ere evidently Procellaria glacialoides. We never saw a 
Cape-Pigeon during the voyage. Where can they be at this season — February to March ■? Only two 
Tropic-birds, one Frigate-bird, and a few Noddies were seen near St. Paul’s Eocks, and these com- 
plete the list of birds.” 


Oedek TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. peocellariid^. 


(ESTRELATA ETJLIGINOSA. 

(SOOTY PETREL.) 


Procellaria fuliginosa, Kuhl, Monogr. Procell. p. 142, pi. x. fig. 6 (1820). 
Procellaria atlantica, Gould, Ann. N. H. xiii. p. o62 (1844). 

Procellaria macroftera. Smith, Zool. of South Africa, Aves, pi. lii. (1849). 
Pterodroma fuliginosa, Bonap. C. K. xlii. p. 768 (1856). 

Pterodroma atlantica, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 191 (1857). 

^dr data fuliginosa, Coues, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 157. 

Fulmarus atlanticus, Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 107 (1871). 

Procellaria fuliginosa, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 304 (1873). 


.4^^. omnino faliginoso-niger, gutture pallidiore; subtus brunneo lavatus : rostro et pedibus uigris : hide nigra. 

Adult Entire plumage sooty or brownish blaek, paler on the throat, and tinged with brown on the nnderparts^ 
tides, billfandLblaek. Total length 17-5 inches; wing, from flexure, 12-5 ; tad 5 ; bdl, ollowmg the 
curvature of upper mandible 1-75, length of lower mandible 1-75 ; tarsus 1-5 ; middle toe and claw 2 4. 


This species which ranges over both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, inhabits the seas all round 
New Zealand, but seldom approaches the land. If I was right in my identification of those observed 
on the wing during a passage from Auckland to Sydney in July 1871, this Petrel is a lemaikably 
powerful flier, coursing about with the activity of a Martin, and generally near t^he surface ; but it is 
ilmost impossible to distinguish the various allied species with any certainty by merely observing 

them from the deck of a ship. t-, n > n i* + • 

Of this species Mr. Salvia says (Ibis, 1888, p. 360)-.-“ Sir Walter Bullet's coUectiou contaurs 

two specimens attributed to P. poaHi, Hutton. They agree with one m the British Museum fiom 

the coast of Tasmania, referred by Gould to P. macropUra, Smith. These 1 have compaied ivit 

large series from the South Atlantic Ocean, the Cape Seas, and elsewhere ; and though they are 

rather larger and (especially the New-Zealaud specimen) have stronger bills, I do not thm e 

differences sufficiently constant or important to justify the recognition of more than one form o ns 

widely-ranging species. Some stress has been laid upon the greyness of the face of P. }ouU, ; but 

this character, too, fails, and a specimen before me with a short wing has the chin whi e. 


Oedee TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLAEIID^. 


(ESTEELATA MOLLIS. 

(SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL.) 


Procellaria mollis, Gould, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. xiii. p. 363 (1844). 
CooMlaria mollis, Bonap. Consp. Av. 1855, ii. p. 190. 

RJwntistes mollis, Bonap. Compt. Bend. xlii. 1856, p. 768. 

JEstrelata mollis. Cones, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 630. 

(Estrelata mollis, Salvin, Proc, Z. S. 1878, p. 738. 


Ad. supr^ griseus, pileo paullo saturatiore : alis brunnescenti-nigris : caud^ grisea : plumis frontalibus albido 
marginatis : regiotie oculari nigra, fasciam longitudinalem supra-auricularem formante : genis et faciei 
lateribus albis, griseo fasciatis, guM et corpore reliquo subtus albis : gutture imo et prsepectore einereis vel 
griseo fimbriatis : subalaribus schistaceo-fuliginosis : rostro nigro : pedibus flavis, digitis dimidio apicali 
nigricantibus. 

Adult. Crown of the head and general upper surface dark slaty grey, the feathers of the shoulders and back 
margined with paler grey ; forehead and fore part of face speckled with white ; in front of and below the 
eyes a conspicuous mark of black ; throat and fore neck white ; the grey of the upper surface spreads down 
the sides of the neck and breast, meeting in front, and forming a band with freckled edges ; underparts of 
the body pure white, the flanks sometimes stained and freckled with grey ; entire upper surface of wings 
brownish black, the primaries dusky on their inner webs; tail-feathers slaty grey, the three outer ones on 
each side more or less freckled with white, particularly on their inner webs ; inner lining of wings dark slaty 
grey, more or less varied with white ; some of the axillaries uniform slaty grey, others are freckled and 
clouded with paler grey. Irides and bill black ; tarsi and basal portion of two inner toes yellow, the rest of 
the feet black. Total length 14 inches ; wing, from flexure, 10'25 ; tail4'5; bill, along the ridge 1'35, along 
the edge of lower mandible 1-5 ; tarsus 1-25 ; middle toe and claw 2. 

Young. Gould states that the young differs in having all the under surface dark grey and the throat freckled 
with grey. 

Ohs. In some of the British- Museum specimens there is evidence of dimorphic coloration, the entire underparts 
being pale slaty brown. 


Dr. Finscii states that the ‘ Novara’ Expedition collected specimens of this bird in lat. 35° S., long. 
175° 5' E. It is therefore clearly entitled to a place in our avifauna. 

Of this bird Mr. Gould writes : — “ It is a species that will ever live in my memory, from its being 
the first large Petrel I saw after crossing the line, and from a somewhat curious incident that then 
occurred. The weather being too boisterous to admit of a boat being lowered, I endeavoured to 
capture the bird with a hook and line ; and the ordinary sea-hooks being too large for the purpose, I 
was in the act of selecting one from my stock of salmon-fiies, when a sudden gust of wind blew my 
hooks and a piece of parchment ten inches long by six inches wide, between which they were placed, 
overboard into the sea, and I was obliged to give up the attempt for that day ; on the next I succeeded 
in capturing the bird with a hook I had still left, and the reader may judge of my surprise when on 
opening the stomach I there found the piece of parchment, softened by the action of the salt water 
and the animal juices to which it had been subjected, but so completely uninjured that it was dried 
and again restored to its original use when a further supply of flies could be procured.” 


Oeder TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLAEIID^, 


(ESTEELATA AEEINIS. 

(MOTTLED PETEEL.) 


Procellaria affinis, Buller, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. vii. pp. 215 16 (1875;. 
(Estrelata gularis'\, Salvin, Ibis, 1888-, p. 358. 


id. supra saturate cinereus: dorsi plumis et supracaudalibus nigro terminatis : tectricibus alarum minimis et al^ 
spuriA, nigricauti-brunneis : primariis extus nigricanti-brunneis, intus albis : secundariis pallide cmereis, albo 
anguste marginatis, basaliter albis : rectricibus saturate; cinereis, duabus externis intiis albidis : fronte alba 
cinerascenti-nigro yariegata : regione suboculari conspicue cinerascenti-nigra ; facie laterali guttureque albis ; 
pectore imo et abdomine cinereis, plumis -basaliter albis : corpore rcliquo subtus albo, pectoris latenbus 
cinereo lavatis, hypocbondi-iis et subcaudalibus inferioribus cinereo variis et minute transfasciatis : subalaribus 
albis, exterioribus conspicub nigricantibus : rostro nigro : pedibus sordide flavis, digito externo et membranis 
interdigitalibus nigris. 

Adult. Crown, bind neck, and all tlie upper surface dark asby grey, tbe feathers of tbe back, rump, and upper 
tail-coverts margined with greyish black ; all the small wing-coverts and the primary quills brownish black, 
the latter largely marked with white on their inner webs ; the secondaries and their coverts ash-grey, 
narrowly margined with white, and wholly white towards the base of each feather ; tail-feathers dark ash- 
grey, the two outermost ones on each side marked with light grey on their inner webs; forehead slightly 
mottled with white ; lores, chin, and throat perfectly white ; a conspicuous spot of greyish black under each 
eye; upper part of breast washed and freckled with grey; middle part of breast and the abdomen dark 
cinereous, the underpart of the feathers white ; sides of the body and smaller tail-coverts freckled and 
minutely barred with grey; long under tail-coverts white. The inner surface of the wings is pure white, 
but there is a broad bar of slaty black extending from the elbow to the carpal flexure, where it spreads and 
is continued along the outer edge. Total length 13 inches ; wing, from flexure, 10-5 ; tail 4 ; bill, along 
the ridge 1-25, along the edge of lower mandible 1-5 ; tarsus 1'2; middle toe and elaw 1-75. 


I DESCRIBED this species from a specimen in the Canterbury Museum, to which I found attached a 
ticket with the following memorandum, “Shot; Potts River, 1872.” I afterwards received a freshly 
skinned one from Mr. C. H. Robson, with the slightest possible variation in the measurements. This 
was obtained at Cape Campbell ; and Mr. Robson wrote to me (under date J une 3) that he had secured 
another, which struck the Moeraki Lighthouse in thick weather and was killed. (See Plate XLV.). 
Still more recently a fresh example was received at the Canterbury Museum from the Spencer 
Mountains. This* one has the colours more pronounced than in my type; but exhibits the same 
pretty mottled markings on the forehead, and freckled touches of grey on the sides of the neck and 
lower part of the breast, where the white mixes with the clear dark grey of the rest of the body. 

Dr. Finsch has expressed his belief that this Petrel is the same as Procellaria mollis (Gould) ; 
but the two birds are absolutely and entirely distinct. It may possibly prove to be identical with 
Procellaria gularis (Peale), as suggested by Mr. Salvin; but there is no specimen of the latter in 
Europe with which to compare it. The unique example upon which Peale founded his description 
(U. S. Expl. Exp., Birds, p. 299) is in the Smithsonian Institution, and I hope to investigate the 
subject further during my proposed visit to America next year. In the meantime I have thought it 
better to figure and describe my bird under the new name which I bestowed upon it in New Zealand. 


Oedee TUBINAEES.] 


(ESTEELATA NEGLECTA. 

(SCHLEGEL’S PETREL.) 


[Fam. PEOCELLAEIID^. 


Procellaria neglecta, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Procell. p. 10 (1863). 

./Estrelata neglecta, Coues, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 170. 

Ad. supra sordide nigricanti-hrunneus : remigibus obscurioribus : prsepectore pallide brunneo : corpore subtus 
albo : rostro nigro : pedibus sordide flavis, digitis et membranis exterioribus nigricantibus. 

Adult. Crown of the head and bind neck sooty brown, mixed on the latter with white ; the rest of the upper 
surface brownish black ; the interscapulars and small wing-coverts narrowly margined with pale brown ; 
around the eyes there is an obscure mark of brown which fades away on the face ; the whole of the under- 
surface pure white j some of the axillary plumes slaty grey with white tips, others white clouded with grey, 
as also are the feathers forming the lining of the wings ; quills brownish black with white shafts and white 
on the inner webs, shading into brownish black at the tips; tail-feathers and upper tail- coverts brownish 
black, white at the base, which, however, is only visible on disturbing the plumage. Irides and hill black ; 
tarsi and basal portion of toes pale yellow, the rest of the feet black. Total length 15-5 inches ; wing, from 
flexure, 12 ; tail 4; hill, along the ridge 1’5, along the edge of lower mandible 1’7 ; tarsus 1’5 ; middle toe 
and claw 2'25. 

Obs. In some specimens there is an obscure patch of brown on each side of the breast ; in others it spreads into 
a broad yellowish-brown pectoral hand, narrower in the centre. 


The claim of this species to a place in our avifauna rests at present only on a label in a continental 
museum ; but it is a Petrel that is almost certain to be met with in our seas, and I have therefore 
felt no hesitation in including it on what might otherwise have been very insufficient authority. 

There is likewise a dark-coloured form, in which the whole of the plumage is sooty brown, 
deepening to brownish black on the upper parts. This colour, however, is confined to the surface, 
the whole of the plumage being pure white underneath. In this dark form, which Mr. Salvin refers 
without hesitation to (E. neglecta, the legs and feet are entirely black. This cannot be due to 
immaturity, inasmuch as nestlings pass from the down into both phases of plumage, and we must 
therefore regard it as another illustration of that law of dimorphism among sea-birds for Avhich, at 
present, we are utterly unable to account. 

Dr. Coues thinks that this form may be referred to parvirostris ; but Mr. Salvin regards it as a 
true species. My description is taken from the single example in the British Museum. 


Okdub TTJBINAEES.] 


OSSIFEAGA GIGANTEA. 

(GIANT PETREL.) 


[Pam. PEOCELLAEIID^. 


Giant Petrel, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 396, pi. c (1785). 

Procellaria gigantea, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 563 (1788). 

Procellaria ossifraga, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 34 d (1844). 

Ossifraga gigantea, Hombr. & Jacq. Voy. P61e Sud, Zool. iii. p. 148 (1853). 


Ad schistaceo-brunnescens, facie laterali et corpora subths paullo pallidioribus ; rlorso et tectricibus alarum palli 
diore cincreo anguste marginatis : rostro flavicauti-corueo : pedibus cinerascentx-mgris, ungmbus albicanti- 
corueis : iride nigricanti-brunneS.. 

Adult male. Entire plumage uniform dark slate-grey, with glossy edges to the feathers, imparting to the 
surface a pretty, sheeny appearance. Irides blackish brown ; bill whitish horn-colour ; legs and feet greyish 
black, the claws whitish horn-colour. Total length 37-5 inches ; extent of wmgs 6 feet 9 inches; wing 
from carpal flexure, 3L5 ; tail 9 ; bill, along the ridge 5, along the edge of lower mandible 4 ; height ot 
hill, to summit of tubular nostrils, 1-6 ; tarsus 3-75 ; middle toe and claw 6 ; hind claw -5. 

Adult female. Entire plumage dull slaty brown, paler or changing to creamy grey on the face throat, and 
underparts of the body ; on the upper parts some of the feathers are strongly tinged with chocolate-brown 
and all the feathers of the hack, as well as the wing-coverts, have paler greyish margins. Total len 
32 inches; extent of wings 66; wing, from flexure, ISA ; tail 7-6; bill, to anterior edge of tube l-7o, 
thence, following the curvature, to the tip 2, along the edge of lower mandible 3-75 ; bare tibia 1-25 ; tarsus 

2‘7.5 ; middle toe and claw 5. 

Obs. On the approach of the moulting-season the plumage has a faded or washed-out appearance. 

Var Albinoes, more or less perfect, are not of unfrequent occurrence. One which I obtained near aikanae, 
on the West Coast, and presented to the Colonial Museum, was of snowy whiteness without blemish ot any 
kind ; even the legs and feet were whitish, the bill being yellowish horn-colour. A more beautiful object 
than this snow-white Petrel could scarcely he imagined. It proved on dissection to be a and I noticed 
that it was almost entirely free from the strong Petrel odour. There is another albino of almost equal 
purity in the same eollection, which was captured by Sir James Heetor in Eoveaux Strait. This one, 
however, betrays here and there a dark brown feather on the upper surface. 

At LiardePs establishment, in Wellington, there was exhibited for several years a white specimen with 
widely scattered slaty black feathers all over the body, particularly on the upper parts and with the ai - 
feathers pale ash-grey. It was sent to the Colonial Exhibition in 1886, and is now in Mr. Silver s collection 
of New-Zealand birds at Letcomh Regis. There is an almost exactly similar specimen in the Liverpool 

iTthe Otago Museum there is another albino which shows traces of the normal colour on the mantle 
and seapulars, with a few scattered dark feathers on the underparts. This specimen came from Macquarie 
Island, whence also the Museum reeeived a singular variety in glossy adult plumage, but differing rom e 
normal form in having the head and neck creamy white, shading into pale bluish grey on the breast an 
deepening on the underparts ; the upper surface is as in ordinary specimens, except that the e g 
wings are prettily variegated with creamy white and pale brown ; bill dull horn-colour , legs a 

It is not an unusual thing to meet with individuals having the forehead, face, and th 
mottled with greyish white, or with a single white feather among the primaries. 


VOL. II. 


226 


In a specimen from Campbell Island the feathers of the hack and mantle are more or less tipped with 
light brown, and have lighter shafts. 


The Giant Petrel, or “ Nelly,” as it is called by sailors, is by no means uncommon in our seas. Of 
late years, with the increase of shipping of all kinds, it has become far more plentiful around our 
coasts and often ventures into the deep sounds or estuaries. I have counted as many as fourteen at 
one time following the steamer within four or five miles of the Wellington heads. Their power of 
wing is something marvellous. For hours together they keep up their rapid sailing movement 
without ever resting or descending to the water for a moment. It is very interesting to watch them 
in this tireless flight, and to observe how completely they have their wings under control. They 
approach the steamer at a swift rate with a low flapping movement of the wings, and then make a 
wide circuit, keeping them perfectly rigid, but shifting the balance of the body in such a way as to 
make alternately one wing and then the other incline upwards or downwards, thus altering the plane 
without the slightest visible alular movement. The manner in which the bird steers itself through 
the air, first ascending far above the masthead, then sweeping downwards, with the point of the wing 
at its lower inclination just skimming but never actually touching the water, even in a turbulent and 
broken sea, is really wonderful, and would seem to indicate very perfect organs of vision as a means 
of measuring distance. Now and then it alters its mode of flight and sails or glides over the surface 
of the sea with its wings formed into a bow shape, and with an occasional flap to give it fresh impetus. 

Like the Albatros, it descends into the water in a very ungainly, straddling way, and, if in 
a hurry, with an awkward splash ; keeps its wings uplifted till the body is steady, then deliberately 
folds them up and settles down to dinner or floats lazily on the surface, with upstretched neck and 
eyes ever on the alert. When garbage or food of any kind is thrown overboard, they all descend 
together and congregate around it, uttering low guttural notes as if disputing for its possession ; but 
they never seem to quarrel or flght over it, and when disposed of, they generally break up into pairs 
and float about in friendly company, till, actuated by some common impulse, they mount again in 
the air and come sweeping up astern. On the wing, the tail is usually spread and has a broad 
cuneiform appearance. 

It is capable, too, of very rapid movements. On one occasion I was attentively watching six or 
seven of them, sailing about in circuits that ever crossed but never clashed, and had turned to my 
note-book for a few seconds to refer to something. On looking up again they had all disappeared as 
if by magic ; and then I descried them in the water more than a mile astern, with their heads 
together, discussing some object that had been thrown overboard and had excited their notice. They 
are untiring, too, in their pursuit ; for I have noticed that at sundown, when the Albatroses have 
drawn oAF from the steamer and disappeared one by one, the Giant Petrel (or “ Stink-pot,” as the 
sailors sometimes call it) has remained, still crossing and recrossing the Wake of the ship, in undi- 
minished numbers and unaAFected by the deepening gloom. 

It is universally dispersed over the temperate and high southern latitudes ; and Mr. Gould has 
expressed his belief that it frequently performs the circuit of the globe, a conclusion inferred from 
the circumstance that an albino variety followed the vessel in which he made his passage to Australia 
for a period of three weeks, the ship often making two hundred miles during the twenty-four hours. 
He adds : — “ It must not be understood that the bird was merely following the vessel’s speed, nor 
deemed incredible when I state that during the twenty-four hours it must have performed a much 
greater distance, since it was only at intervals of perhaps half an hour that it was seen hunting up 
the wake of the vessel to secure any offal that had been thrown overboard, the interim being employed 
in scanning the ocean in immense circles.” He informs us further that on visiting Recherche Bay in 


227 


D-Entrecasteanx-s Channel, Tasmania, he found thousands of these birds sitting together on the 
water, and feeding on the blubber and other refuse of the whabystation. 

Some years ago a number of them actually followed the floating carcase of a whale 
harbour of Akaroa, and when discovered were engaged in tearing off the blubber . 

It is easily caught with a hook and line, the former baited with meat The bird mbbles at he 
bait and is caught by the hook entering the upper mandible and is torthwith drawn in n m .1 e 
Albatros it is unable to rise from a level surface; and although more active on its feet, habitually 

falls forward, resting on its breast. v, OvacTtiardsl 

The following account of this Petrel (called Quebranta-huesos, or Break-bones, by the Spaniar 

is given in Darwin’s ‘ Voyage of a Naturalist ’ (p. 287) In its habits and manner 
a very close resemblance with the Albatros; and, as with the Albatros, a person may watch it 
hours' together without seeing on what it feeds. The ‘ Br«ik.bones ’ 

for it was observed by some of the ofBcers at Port St. Antonio chasing ‘ ^ 

by diving and flying, but was continually struck down, and at last killed by a blow on its head. 

Port St Julian these great Petrels were seen killing and devouring young us. 

1 may add that on one occasion, when steaming up Cook’s Stiuit I observed at "e ^ o 
these Giant Petrels pursue and capture a small bird (apparently Pnm turtur), and then, holding 

bv tbe wins, batter it against tbe water till it was killed. 

' ThL bM is habitually silent, except when fighting or when voiding xts natural ex— 

which occasions it utters a grunting note. It is more dra«^^el^h^oLer about in 

and rival males when in conflict make a clashing noise with their i s, an s, 

a most unmerciful manner. _ -j 

Sometimes, when impelkd by extreme hunger, “ J rcum":t 

“reft: Wa^ra^id“ crew'of'.he -Hnia,” cameinto Mr. Drew’s po^ession, and 
when I afterwards saw one of them in his garden it had become quite tame and '>'>«>'>■ Aim 

about with open bill and outstretched wings asking to be fed. It allowe me 
impunity, making no attempt to^bit. « “ " “holfn" 

Iherw sttrL7iLlTo7the ground and worked it violently in its eiferts to accommodate another 
Ite "y enongh, it would not touch flsh of any kind. Althoug^ by way of ex,mnmenk 

starved for several days, it still obstinately " ^ cTc’asrXu became 

died and had been skinned, the survivoi le^aled itse y 

decomposed. • n oria in tbo cliffs of the Prince-Edward Islands and 

Professor Hutton states that this species breeds m the chits the ir ^ 

ir 1 n’« Tnnd and adds' “ When a person approaches the nest the old bud p 

Kerguelen s Land, and adds . P smelling oil out of their mouths to a distance 

distance away, while the young ones squirt a horridly sm g ,5 th 

of six or eight feet.” Layard desoiibcs the eggs as being white, and measnimg 

^ ThmeTs17egg in the Otago Museum from Macquarie Island, ^^Aopicd in fam^« 
3-76 inches in len^h by 2-25 in breadth; the shell has a very ’’“"f 
white, is much s Jned and discoloured. Another specimen (from the 
Crowley’s collection is more elliptical in form, measuring S-6 inches in length by 2 6 in 

, , 1 , i P^nnf- Pplrel here, for some -weeks 

* Writing from Portland Island, Mr. Eobson says : “We have a num ers o riid albino as white as snow 

„„t, t Jai.g 0» the roosin. et . a.«i whale. Amongst them, till very re.e.tly, the™ wa. a spl.nM .H>™ ■» 

I tried hard to shoot for your collection, but unfortunately without success. 2 G 2 


Oedee TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLARnD^. 


THALASSCECA- GL ACI ALOIDES. 

(SILVERY-GREY PETREL.) 


Procellaria glacialis, var. /3, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 563 (1788). 

Procellaria tenuirostris, Aud. Orn. Biogr. v. p. 333 (1839). 

Priocella garnotti, Hombr. & Jacq. Voy. Pole Sud, iii. p. 148, pi. 32. figs. 43-56 (1844). 

Procellaria glacialoides, Smith, 111. Zool. S. Afr. pi. li. (1849). 

Thalassoica tenuirostris. Bp. C. R. xlii. p. 768 (1856). 

Thalassoica polaris. Bp. C. R. xlii. p. 768 (1856). 

Procellaria smithi, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Procell. p. 22 (1863). 

Fulmarus glacialoides. Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 105 (1871). 

Procellaria glacialoides, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 301 (1873). 

Ad. suprk dilute argentescenti-cinereus : pileo undique et corpore subtus toto albis : pectoris lateribus dorsi colore 
lavatis : primariis extus nigricanti-brunneis, intus albicantibus : rostro albicanti-corneo, carnoso tincto, nigro 
apicato, culmiue ad basin cyanescente : pedibus carnoso-cinereis, digitis exterioribus externb saturatioribus : 
palmis pallid^ flavis : iride brunnescenti-nigr^. 

Adult. Hind part of neck, back, and all the upper surface, as well as the sides of the breast, delicate silvery 
grey ; the rest of the plumage pure white ; primaries blackish brown on their outer, and greyish white on 
their inner webs ; tail-feathers delicate silvery grey. Irides brownish black j bill whitish horn-colour, with 
a tinge of pink, the ridge as far as the opening of the nostrils bluish, the tips of both mandibles black ; legs 
and feet pinkish grey, darker on the joints and along the edges of the outer toes ; the interdigital webs pale 
yellow, and the claws brown. Total length 19’6 inches; extent of wings 43'6; wing, from flexure, 13; 
tail 6 ; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 2, along the edge of lower mandible L75 ; tarsus 2 ; 
middle toe and claw 3. 


Theeb are several instances recorded of the occurrence of this beautiful Petrel on the New-Zealand 
coast ; and the above description is taken from a fine example which I picked up, in a dying state, 
on the sea-heach near the mouth of the Turakina river, and afterwards presented to the Colonial 
Museum. 

There are two specimens in the Canterbury Museum, both obtained in the South Island. 

The late Sir Andrew Smith, who was the first to discriminate the characters which distinguish 
this species from Thalassceca glacialis, informs us that it is common on the South-African coasts, 
and frequently enters the bays — also that it flies higher above the surface of the water than the last- 
named bird, and rests more frequently. 


Oedee TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLAEIID^. 


THALASS(ECA ANTAECTICA. 

(ANTARCTIC PETREL.) 


Antarctic Petrel, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 400 (1785). 

Procellaria antarctica, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 565 (1788, ex Lath.). 

Priocella antarctica, Hombr. & Jacq. Voy. Pole Sud, p. 149 (1844). 

Procellaria antarctica. Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, pi. 33 (1846). 

Thalassoica antarctica, Reich. Naturg. Schwimmv., Natatores, pi. xiv. (1848). 

Thalassoeca antarctica. Cones, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 31. 

Fulmartis antarcticus. Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 105 (1871). 

Priocella antarctica. Hector, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. ix. p. 464 (1877). 

Procellaria antarctica, Buller, Man. Birds of New Zealand, p. 88 (1882). 

Aeipetes antarcticus, Porbes, Voy. of Chall., Anat. Petrels, p. 59 (1882). 

Ad. pileo colloqne toto, cum scapularibus et tectricibus alarum minimis, fuliginoso-cinereis : gula et colli 
lateralibus brunnescentibus ; secundariis et tectricibus alarum albis : corpore reliquo pure albo : cauda 
fuliginoso-nigro terminate. : rostro bruunescenti-nigro : pedibus pallide brunuescenti-cinereis. 

Adult. Head, hind neck, and general upper surface dull brownish black ; on the throat and sides of the neck 
the brown fades off into the white ; the rest of the under surface pure white, except a broad band along the 
edge of the wings, which is slaty brown ; primaries brownish black, white on their inner webs except at the 
tips ; the whole of the secondaries and their large coverts are pure white, presenting a broad oblique band 
in the closed wing ; scapulars brownish black, white at the base ; tail-featbers pure white, Avith a broad 
terminal band of dull brownish black. Irides and bill black ; legs and feet dull yellow, brownish on the 
outer side of tarsi and on the outer toes. Total length 19'5 inches; wing, from flexure, 12; tail 5 ; bill, 
along the ridge 1‘75, along the edge of lower mandible 2 ; tarsus 1'75 ; middle toe and claw 2'5. 


I AM still in doubt as to the propriety of admitting this species into our avifauna, the specimen 
described by Sir James Hector having been shot in lat. 46° S., long. 118° 9' E., or about “ 1000 miles 
west of Tasmania and in the latitude of Otago.” It was included by Mr. G. R. Gray among the 
birds of New Zealand in the ‘ Voyage of the Erebus and Terror ’ ; and one or more of the five specimens 
in the British Museum are said to have been captured in our seas, but the evidence is by no means 
complete. 

Forbes proposed to make this Petrel the type of a genus, Aeipetes, which he says is 
“ easily distinguishable from Thalassoeca by the much shorter and more slender bill, and differently 
shaped nasal tubes; number of rectrices 12 instead of 14 as in Thalassoeca and 16 in Ossifraga-, 
tracheal septum incomplete, and the structure of the syrinx different.” 


Oeder TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLAEIIDiE. 


PUFFINUS TENUIEOSTEIS. 

(BONAPARTFS SHEARWATER.) 


Frocellaria tenuirostris, Temm. PI. Col. vol. v. livr. 99 (1836). 

Priofinus hrevicaudus, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 769 (1856). 

Nectris hrevicaudus, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. p. 201 (1857). 

Nectris hrevicauda. Cones, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1864, p. 127. 

Puffinus hrevicaudatus, Hutton, Cat. Birds New Zeal. p. 45 (1871). 

Puffinus hrevicaudus^, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 315 (1873). 


Native names. — Titi, Hakoakoa, and Hakuakua. 


Ad. omnino fuliginosus, corpore superiore brunnesente lavato : rostro nigricanti-brunneo, mandibuli pallidiore : 
pedibus vinascenti-cinereis : iride nigra. 

Adult male. Entire plumage sooty or blackish grey, the upper surface strongly tinged with brown. Irides 
black ; bill blackish brown, the under mandible paler ; legs and feet vinous-grey j the webs yellowish flesh- 
colour, blackish brown towards the edges. Total length 15 inches ; wing, from flexure, 10' 75 j tail 3' 75 ; bill, 
along the ridge 1'5, from gape to extremity of lower mandible 1’8 ; tarsus 1'75 j middle toe and claw 2'25. 

Female. Diff'ers from the male only in having the plumage more suffused with pale brown, the feathers of the 
breast, sides, and underparts generally having brownish margins. 

Young. Has the blackish grey of the upper sides of the faee and sides of the neck fading gradually into the 
white of the underparts ; the bill also is darker, being of a uniform brownish black, very slightly paler 
along the under edge of the lower mandible. 

Younger state. A fledgling in Mr. Drew’s collection, which was picked up on the Wanganui sea-beach, has the 
plumage as in the adult, except that the throat and fore neck are ash-grey, the down of that colour giving 
place, however, to white feathers, whieh are at present very minute. On the lower cheek the down has 
almost disappeared. 

Obs. A specimen picked up by myself on the ocean-beach near Otaki gave the following measurements : — 
Total length 14 inches ; extent of wings 26-5. This was in the early part of Eehruary, and the bird was in 
adult plumage, but too far gone to admit of my preserving it. 


This species of Petrel is very abundant on our coasts, and retires inland, sometimes to a distance of 
fifty miles, to breed. It nests in underground burrows, forming often large colonies, and resorting to 
the same breeding-place year after year. There is said to be an extensive nesting-ground of this kind 
in the Kaimanawa ranges in the Taupo-Patea country. At certain seasons the natives collect large 
numbers of these birds and preserve them in calabashes, potted in their own fat, either for future use 
or as gifts to neighbouring tribes. 

* Dr. Einsch was the first to identify our bird with Puffinus tenuirostris ; and Mr. Salvin says of it : “ It seems well esta- 
blished that P. hrevicaudus of the Australian and Rew-Zealand seas does not differ from P. tenuirostris of Japan. The latter name 
has priority.” 


231 


It is extremely abundant in the seas surrounding Tasmania and among the islands in Bass s 
Strait, to some of which it resorts in countless numbers for the purpose of breeding. Gieen Island 
is described as the great Petrel nursery ; and a most interesting account thereof, by Mr. Davies, may 
be found in the second volume of the ‘Tasmanian Journal. The following extracts must suffice. 

“ About the commencement of September these birds congregate in immense flocks, and shortly alter 
wards proceed, at sunset, to the different isles upon which they have established their rookeries. 
Here they remain during the night for the space of about ten^ days, forming their burrows and 
preparing for the ensuing laying-season. They then leave and continue at sea for about five weeks. 
About the 20th November, at sunset, a few come in to lay, and gradually increase in numbers until 
the night of the 24th. Still there are comparatively few, and a person would find some difficulty in 
collecting two dozen eggs on the morning of that day. It is not in my power to describe the scene 
that presents itself at Green Island on the night of the 24th November. A few minutes before sunset 
flocks are seen making for the island from every quarter, and that with a rapidity hardly conceivable. 
When they congregate together, so dense is the cloud, that night is ushered in full ten minntes 
before the usual time. The birds continue flitting about the island for nearly an hour, and then settle 
upon it. The whole island is burrowed ; and when I state that there are not sufficient burrows for 
one-fourth of the birds to lay in, the scene of noise and confusion that ensues may be imagined ; I 
ivill not attempt to describe it. On the morning of the 25th the male birds take their departure, 

returning again in the evening ; and so they continue to do until the end of the season 

Besides Green Island the principal rookeries of these birds are situated between Flinders Island and 
Cape Barren and most of the smaller islands in Furneaux’s group. The eggs and cured birds form a 
great portion of the food of sealers, and, together with the feathers, constitute the principal articles 

of their traffic It takes the feathers of forty of these birds to weigh a pound ; consequently 

sixteen hundred must be sacrificed to make a feather bed of forty pounds weight. Notwithstanding 


the enormous annual destruction, I did not, during the five years I was in the habit of visiting 
the Strait, perceive any sensible diminution in their number. The young birds leave the rookeries 
about the latter end of April, and form one scattered flock in Bass’s Strait. I have actually sailed 
through them from Flinders Island to the heads of the Tamar, a distance of eighty miles. They 
shortly afterwards separate into dense flocks, and finally leave the coast. 

The following extract from Flinders’s Voyage (vol. i. p. 170), describing a single flight of these 
birds, will give the reader an idea of their prodigious numbers “ There was a stream from fifty to 
eighty yards in depth and three hundred yards or more in breadth ; the birds were not scattered, but 
were flying as compactly as a free movement of their wings seemed to allow ; and during a full hour 
and a half this stream of Petrels continued to pass without interruption, at a rate little inferior to 
the swiftness of the Pigeon. On the lowest computation I think the number could not have been 
less than a hundred millions. Taking the stream to have been fifty yards deep by three hundred in 
width, and that it moved at the rate of thirty miles an hour, and allowing nine cubic yards of space 
to each bird, the number would amount to 151,500,000. The burrows required to lodge this quantity 
of birds would be 75,750,000 ; and allowing a square yard to each burrow, they would cover some- 
thing more than I8J geographic square miles of ground.” 

It is very plentiful in the Hauraki Gulf, and is diurnal in its habits. It associates on the water 
in large communities, has a vigorous flight, and utters a peculiar cry represented by the syllables hor 
TiWd-kwdi from which it derives its native name. It breeds on all the islands in the Gulf not, how- 
ever, in colonies, but each pair selecting its own locality and excavating a deep burrow, sometimes 
5 feet in extent, with a rounded chamber at the further end, where a single egg is deposited about 
the end of September. A specimen in my son’s collection, from Lord Howe’s Island, is of a lather 
elliptical or slightly pyriform shape, measures 2-75 inches in length by I‘6 in breadth, and is 
perfectly white. 


Oedbb TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLARIIDiE. 


PUFFINUS GEISEUS. 

(SOMBKE SHEAEWATEE.) 


Procellaria grisea, Gmel. ex Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. p. 399 (1785). 

Procellaria tristis, Forster, Descr. An. p. 205 (1844). 

Puffinus major. Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terr. p. 17 (1846). 

Procellaria fuliginosa, Hombr. Voy. Pole Sud, iii. p. 138 (nec Strickland, 1853). 
Puffinus tristis. Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 244. 

Nectris amaurosoma. Cones, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1864, p. 124. 

Puffinus amaurosoma. Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 102 (1871). 

Puffinus tristis, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 317 (1873). 

Puffinus griseus, Finsch, J. f. O. 1874, p. 209, 

Puffinus stricMandi, Kidgw. Man. N. Amer. Birds, p. 61 (1887)*. 

Puffinus griseus, Salvin, Ibis, 1888, p. 355, 


Native names. — Titi, Hakoakoa f, and Totorore : “ Mutton-bird ” of the colonists. 


Ad. similis P. ienuirostri, sed major et obscurior, plumis corporis superioris sordide brunneo marginatis : subtiis 
interdum pallidior : rostro cinerascenti-nigro, culmine flavicanti-brunneo : pedibus dilate cyanesceatibus : 
palmis pallide brunneis ; iride nigrS,. 

Adult. Entire plumage blackish grey, the feathers of the upper parts narrowly margined with dull brown ; in 
some specimens lighter grey on the throat and underparts of the body ; inner lining of wings greyish white, 
mottled and clouded with dark grey. Irides black ; bill dull greyish black, inclining to yellowish brown on 
the ridge ; tarsi and toes bluish grey, the webs yellowish. Total length 15 inches ; wing, from flexure, 11-6 ; 
tail 3’5; bill, along the ridge 1‘75, along the edge of lower mandible ; tarsus 2 ; middle toe and claw 
2-3. 

Nestling. Covered with thick slaty grey down. 


This bird resembles Puffinus tenuirostris, but is appreciably larger, as will be seen on referring to 
their respective measurements. It is a common species in the New-Zealand seas, and is said to be 
extremely abundant at Stewart’s Island and on the adjacent coast. It is also comparatively plentiful 
on the Island of Kapiti, where it is found breeding as late as March. On the Island of Karewa and 

* Mr. Salvin writes : — “ There is now a large series of skins of this bird in the British Museum ; and I have taken the 
opportunity of comparing birds from the North Atlantic with others from the Pacific Ocean, and have failed to see how two 
species can he set up as proposed by Mr. Eidgway. In his recently published ‘ Manual ’ it will be seen that dimensions do not 
afford any diagnostic characters, and that the only difference to he detected is that the under wing-coverts in the Atlantic bird 
are grey, transversely mottled with white at the tips, whereas in P. griseus they are white, transversely mottled with grey at the 
tips. A comparison of specimens shows how trivial this difference is. In the Pacific Ocean this species occurs as far north as 
the Kurile Islands, whence specimens have been sent by Mr. H. J. Snow.” (Ibis, 1888, p. 355.) 

t One of the Ngatiapa witnesses in the Eangatira ease gave the following evidence : — “ Pirihakoakoa is the name of a 
place in the cliffs far up the Eangitikei river— where the Hakoakoa was accustomed to breed. We repaired thither at the right 
season to extract the young birds from the holes. The cry of this bird was Pipiritci-pifirilci-tawharara.” 


233 


on the Rnrima Eocks large numbers annually breed, sharing their burrows with the tuatara lizard, 
and submitting, season after season, to have their nests plundered by the Maoris, who systematically 
visit the breeding-grounds when the young birds are sufficiently plump and fat for the calabash. 

Mr. Marchant informs me that he found this species breeding in burrows near the summit of the 
Island of Kapiti about the end of February. The excavations were in peaty ground over which a fire 
had passed, destroying all the surface vegetation. The young at this time were half-grown, thickly 
covered with light grey down, and extremely fat. On being held up by the feet, oily matter ran 
freely from their throats. The old birds, on being taken hold of, fought fiercely with their bills. 

Mr. Kennedy also informs me that when engaged on a survey of the Kaimanawa ranges, his native 
workmen caught numbers of these birds in their burrows. On their first arrival at the breeding- 
ground the young birds were very small, but in the month of April they had attained their full size and 
were veritable lumps of fat, “ pure oil pouring from the bill when the birds were held up by the feet.” 

It sometimes breeds in the hills at the back of Wellington, and I once met with the bird on the 
coach road in the Kgauranga gorge. 

There are some nesting-grounds of this species on Whale Island in the Bay of Plenty. I visited 
these breeding-places about the middle of January and found the nestlings still occupying their deep 
burrows, but they were well grown, with black quills and tail-feathers sprouting vigorously through 
their thick downy mantle of slaty grey. 

These birds are at all times more nocturnal than diurnal, and when hovering overhead at night 
utter a frequent call-note, like tee-tee-tee, from which the Maori name is derived. 

There are several well-known breeding-places on the south-east coast of Otago, and on Stewart s 
Island, from which large supplies of potted birds are annually drawn and forwarded to the Northern, 
tribes, ^poha titi (or cask of preserved Petrel) being a gift worth the acceptance of the highest chief. 

Of this species probably Dr. Crowfoot writes (Ibis, 1885, p. 268):— “This Petrel, called by the 
Norfolk-Islanders ‘Mutton-bird’ or ‘Ghost-bird,’ from its child-like cry at night, lays its eggs on 
Norfolk, Phillip, and Nepean Islands. Its breeding-period extends over a considerable time. I have seen 
young birds nearly fledged on the 27th October, and have obtained fresh eggs on the 15th January. 
This bird digs out a hole in the soft soil on the faces of the cliffs, also in the sand on flat ground. Some 
of the burrows are six feet and more in length. The bird also lays extensively on Phillip Island in 
shallow recesses under overhanging boulders and in colonies, i. e. many may be found close together. 
On Norfolk Island its holes are always isolated and the burrows deep. One egg only is laid. Both 
bird and egg have a very strong peculiar smell, and I can usually tell a fresh hole from an old one by 
the smell of the entrance. There is no nest. The eggs, which are pure white, vary from 2 5 inches to 
2-75 in length, and from 1-5 inch to 1-75 in breadth. Some are equally rounded at both ends ; others 
are much pointed at one end.” 

An egg supposed to belong to this species, and sent to me by Mr. Drew (who obtained it at 
Kapiti), is^ovoido-elliptical in form, measuring 3T inches in length by 1-95 in breadth ; it is white, 
with a smooth surface, but much discoloured by soiling. 

Of the closely allied species, Puffiniis carneipes, Mr. Salvin writes [1. c.):— “Sir Walter Buffer’s 
collection contains a specimen which appears to me to belong undoubtedly to this species ; the only 
other examples which I have seen are from Hakodate in Northern Japan. The latter only differ in 
being rather older, and in more worn plumage, the New-Zealand bird being freshly moulted. These 
additional localities show that this bird has a much wider range than has hitherto been suspected. 
Gould’s types came from Cape Leewin, S.W. Australia. 

“ The bird is rare in collections, and we have considerable doubts as to the correct determination 
of those stated to be in the Leyden and other museums {cf. Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, vi. Procellarioe, 
p. 26) ; the Leyden birds should, I believe, be referred to Puffinus gnseus (Gm.). 


Oedee TUBIKAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLAEIID^. 


PUFFINUS CAENEIPES. 

(FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER.) 


Procellaria carneipes *, Gould, P. Z. S. 1844, p. 57. 

Majaguem carneipes, Eeich. Naturg. Schwimmv., Natatores, pi. xiv. f. 2601 ; Syst. Av. p. iv (1852). 
Nectris carneipes, Coues, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1864, p. 126. 

Piiffinus carneipes, Salvin, Ibis, 1888, p. 356. 


Native Hakoakoa. 


Ad. similis P. tristi, sed major et supra obscurior : rostro conspicue majore facile distinguendus : dorsi plumis 
scapularibusque brunnescente marginatis : rostro flavicanti-corneo, bruunescenti-nigro apicato, culmine 
quoque ad basin brunnescenti-nigro : pedibus sordide carneis, membranis interdigitalibus pallide brunneis. 

Adult male. Entire plumage uniform sooty or blackish grey, the crown, hind neck, and general upper surface 
being several shades darker, and the feathers composing the mantle obscurely margined with brown. Irides 
black ; bill yellowish horn-colour, brownish black at the tips of both mandible, and along the culmen to the 
opening of the nostrils ; legs and feet dull flesh-colour, the webs pale brown. Total length 19'75 inches ; 
extent of wings 43 •, wing, from flexure, 12'75 ; tail 4" 5; bill, along the ridge 2, along the edge of lower 
mandible 2'25 ; tarsus 2 ; middle toe and claw 2'75. 

Female. Similar to the male, but with somewhat lighter plumage and of smaller size. Total length 19 inches ; 
extent of wings 42’5 ; wing, from flexure, 12'5 ; tail 2’25 ; bill, along the ridge 1‘75, along the edge of lower 
mandible 2 j tarsus 1'9 ; middle toe and claw 2'75. 

Nestling. Covered with thick dark-grey down. 


This fine Shearwater is comparatively common otf New Zealand, and breeds in large colonies on some 
of the small islands near the coast. 

The above descriptions were taken from a pair obtained by Captain Fairchild on White Island, 
where they were breeding, and sent to me alive at the beginning of November. When taken out of 
the box in which they had been confined on board the ‘ Hinemoa,’ they were very vicious, attacking 
everything with their bills, and even snapping savagely at each other when brought within reach. 
When taken hold of they uttered a cry like that of a young child in pain. At other times they had 
a peculiar chuckling note ; and it was amusing, when travelling with them by train, to hear the 
passengers remark from the sounds that “ there were fowls under the seats.” 

Captain Fairchild sent me at the same time the nestling of a Diving Petrel {Pelecamides 
tirinatriw) wdiich he assured me had been taken from the same burrow as the pair of Titi. 

I dissected the latter, and found the testes in the male bird largely developed ; and in the ovary 
of the female a cluster of embryo eggs, the largest being of the size of buck-shot. It would seem from 
this that, like some other Petrels, it has two broods in the season. 

* Of this species Dr. Finsch writes (Trans. If . -Z. Inst. vol. viii. p. 202) ; — “ Procellana carneipes, Sohleg., in the Leyden 
Museum, is identical with Procellaria griseus.” But Mr. Salvin regards it as a valid species, and it seems to me very readily 
distinguishable from the latter bird by its more robust bill. 


Oebee TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLAEIID^. 


PUFFINUS CHLOEOKHYNCHUS. 

(WEDGE-TAILED SHEAEWATER.) 


Puffiniis cMororJiynclios, Less. Traite d’Orn. p. 612 (1831). 

Puffinus sphetiurus, Gould, Ann. & Mag. N. H. xiii. p. 365 (1844). 
Thiellus clilororhynclia, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 201 (1850). 

Thiellus splienurus, Bonap. ibid. 

Procellaria cMororhyncha, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Procell. p. 25 (1863). 
Procellaria sphmura, Schl. ibid. 

Puffinus chlororhynchus, Salvin, Ibis, 1888, p. 352. 


Ad. omninb scWstaceo-fuliginosus, interscapulio scapularibusque ad apicem pallidioribus : gala et jugulo anteriore 
schistaceis : abdomine crissoque et supracaudalibus saturate brunneo tiiictis : rostro grisescenti-nigro, apice 
et culmine obscurioribus : pedibus flaveseenti-brunneis. 

Adult. General plumage dark slaty brown, ebanging to dark slaty grey on the throat and fore neck ; the 
feathers composing the mantle edged with grey ; flanks, upper portion of abdomen, with upper and lower 
tail-coverts more strongly tinged with brown ; quills and tail-feathers slaty black with polished shafts ; 
lining of wings uniform slaty grey. Irides black; bill greyish black ; legs and feet yellowish brown. 
Total length 17 inches ; wing 10-25 ; tail 6 ; bill, along the ridge I'S, along the edge of lower mandible 19 ; 
tarsus 1-7 ; middle toe and claw 2'3. 

Obs. In the female the general plumage is more suffused with brown. 

Note. Mr. Salvin’s collection contains a New-Zealand example. There is a specimen from Lord Howe^s Island 
in the British Museum, and another from the Seychelles, received from Canon Tristram. 


Me. Salvin writes (Ibis, 1888, p. 352) “ Lesson’s type of his P. chlororhynchus in the Paris Museum 
was brought from Australia (Baie cles Chiens Marins), so Pucheran tells us, by Quoy and Gaimard in 
1820. Those writers who have attempted to separate it from P. sphenurus of Gould attribute to it a 
more western range, extending from Western Australia to the Mascarene Islands and the Cape of 
Good Hope, and reserve the name of P. sphemirus for the more eastern bird, giving its range 
‘ Australian Seas.’ Gould’s types of P. sphenurus, however, came from Houtmann’s Abrolhos, off the 
coast of W. Australia, so that the difference of habitat breaks down. I have compared specimens 
from the Mascarene Islands (Mauritius and Rodriguez), Rame’s Islet (N.W. Australia), Bird Islet 
(N. Australia), Norfolk L, Lord Howe’s I., Eimeo (Society I.), and New Zealand, and fail to see how 
any separation can be maintained. The Mascarene birds have perhaps a rather stouter bill, the 
colour of which in the skin is more of a fleshy yellow ; but these differences seem to me to be of little 
importance, as intermediate specimens occur. The slight difference in size is not more than occuis 
in most birds having so wide a range. Gould’s figure represents a bird with a dark bill, but his 
description gives it as ‘ reddish fleshy-brown, darker on the culmen and tip. We have two skins 
said to have come from New Zealand, where its occurrence, at least on the shores of the North 
Island, can hardly fail to be established.” 

A specimen of the egg in my son’s collection, from Lord Howe's Island, is rathei ovoido-elliptical 
in form, measuring 2-5 inches in length by 1-5 in breadth, and is perfectly white. 

2 H 2 


I 


Oedee TUBIJSTAEES.] 


[Fam. procell AEIID^. 


PUFFINTJS GAVIA. 

(FORSTER’S SHEARWATER.) 


Procellaria gavia, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 148 (1844). 
yEstrelata gavia, Coues, Proc. Phil, Acad. 1866, p. 154. 

Puffinas assimilis, Hutton, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. i, p. 161 (1868, nec Gould). 

Native name. — Pakahaa : “ Rainbird ” of the colonists. 

Ad. supra nitide brunnescenti-niger : facie lateral! et corpore subths toto albis : rostro sordide plumbeo, mandibula 
pallidiore : pedibus flavicanti-albis, exths nigro limbatis : iride nigra. 

Adult male. Crown of the head, nape, and all the upper surface, including the wings and tail, glossy brownish 
black, fading away gradually towards the under surface ; sides of the face, throat, fore neck, and all the 
under surface white. Irides brownish black; bill dark grey, lighter and sometimes yellowish grey on the 
under mandible; tarsi and toes pinkish flesh-colour, stained with blackish brown along the front of the 
tarsus, and on the outer edges of the toes; webs darker. Total length 14‘5 inches; extent of wings 27'5 ; 
wing, from flexure, 8'5 ; tail 3 ; bill, along the ridge 1‘4, along the edge of lower mandible 1'75 ; tarsus 1’5 ; 
middle toe and claw 2. 

Female. Upper parts dull yellowish brown, with dingy tips ; underparts white ; on the sides of the neck the 
dark colour fades imperceptibly away. Total length 14'5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 8'5 ; tail 3 ; bill, along 
the ridge 1'25 ; tarsus 1'5. 

Another example (in the Otago Museum) is somewhat smaller and has the plumage of the upper parts 
darker. 

Young. The young bird assumes the colours of the adult from the nest, but with rather paler margins to the 
wing-coverts, the woolly covering clinging longest to the back, and flanks. 

Nestling. Covered with very thick slate-coloured down on the upper, and white on the under, surface. 

Obs. In this Petrel the white on the femoral region is very conspicuous when the bird is on the wing. 

One from Selwyn (in the Canterbury Museum) has the upper parts sooty grey, and the underparts pure 
white, the former colour extending forwards from the shoulders and being nearly confluent on the lower 
fore neck. Another (marked 2 ) from Chicken Island is somewhat smaller in all its proportions, and has 
the plumage of the upper parts sooty black, there is less white on the cheeks, and the dark colour is not 
spread forward on the fore neek. 

This species of .Petrel, which enjoys a wide oceanic range, is comparatively common in the seas 
surrounding New Zealand ; and after stormy weather it is frequently picked up, either dead or in an 
exhausted state, among the sea-drift on the open strand. It is certainly not the same as P. opistho- 
melas, Coues, as I formerly supposed, for the latter species may be at once distinguished by its 
“ fuliginous-black under tail-coverts ” (see Proc. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1864, p. 189)*. Mr. Salvin has shown 

* Mr. Salvin writes (Ibis, 1888, p. 356) : — “ Sir Walter Buller’s collectiou contains a specimen referred to this species, which 
is the first I have seen answering to Forster’s description. It has a general resemblance to P. opisthomelas, Coues, as regards the 
colour of its plumage, but may at once be distinguished by its pure white under tail-coverts.” 


237 


me a careful drawing by Keulemans from the type of P. opisthomelas (obtained off the coast of Lower 
California), which w^as sent over from the Smithsonian Institution for the purpose of being figured in 
his forthcoming ‘ Monograph,’ and this feature is very distinct. 

They congregate in flocks, often of considerable size, and fly in a compact body, generally in a 
zigzag course, with a very rapid movement of the wings and not far above the water. Their flight is 
peculiar, too, in this respect, that they appear all to turn at the same moment, like a company of 
soldiers, showing first the dark plumage of the upper surface and then the white underparts as they 
simultaneously dip towards the water. 

Their habits are sociable, and flocks may often be seen in the daytime disporting themselves in 
the sea, making short flights just above the surface, then flopping into the water, splashing and chasing 
one another in their playful gambols, and when tired of their fun rising in a body and rapidly disap- 
pearing from view in the manner already described. On one occasion I saw a flock of several hundred 
thus amusing themselves in the broad sunshine (although the bird is more nocturnal than diurnal) as 
our ship was steaming through the narrow “ French pass ” in Cook’s Strait. 

They seem to scatter at night, for as darkness approached I have noticed numerous single 
examples, as if the flocks of the daytime were dispersing over the snrface of the ocean in quest of 
their food. They fly low but swiftly, and utter a note resembling the native name by which the bird 
is called, bnt somewhat prolonged, as faka-ha-a — paJca-ha-a. During the breeding-season I have 
seen very large flocks of them between Whale Island and the mainland, some of them hovering on 
the wing, hundreds together in “schools” or flocks, and others scattered far and wide over the surface, 
floating in a listless manner as if resting after the hunting exploits of the night. 

Occasionally, perhaps once in several years, they appear in prodigious flocks and seem to cover 
the sea for miles around ; but they soon scatter again over “ ocean’s boundless bosom,” and are then 
not more plentiful than the other Petrels. This periodical “ mustering of the clans ” is doubtless due 
to a superabundance of some particular food-supply in the part of the sea where they congregate. 

Whale Island is one of their favourite breeding-grounds, the places selected being the stony, 
scrub-covered slopes near the summit, as well as the holes and crevices among the rocks far above 
high-water mark. The adjacent little island of Motoki is also a nesting-ground. The island of 
Karewa in the Bay of Plenty, and the numerous islands in the Hauraki Gulf are also favourite 
breeding-grounds. They nest in communities and their burrows are like rabbit-warrens, covering 
acres in extent. As a rule, they go down vertically for about a foot and then spread ofl' laterally for 
a distance of two feet or more, thus forming a chamber in which the Petrel deposits her single egg and 
afterwards cradles her young. In the early morning the old birds go off to sea, and do not return 
to their nests till after dark, when there is great noise and excitement among the nestlings in their 
eagerness for the food which has been stewing for them all day long in their parents’ crops. 

The Maoris state that the young birds quit their nests for the sea towards the end of February, 
which would accord with my observations on Whale Island. They do their best, however, to interfere 
with this domestic arrangement, for when the fledglings are about to take their departure, they are 
visited by Maori hunting-parties, who capture sometimes four or five hundred of them in a day, and 
pot them in their own fat as hualma, which is esteemed a great delicacy. Having regard to the profit 
the island is strictly tapio during the early part of the breeding-season, and no native is allowed to land 
there. The expiation of the tafu and the slaughter of the innocents form one and the same event ! 

It breeds on several of the larger islands in the Hauraki Gulf ; and Mr. Cheeseman found it 
nesting on the “Hen and Chickens.” 

An egg of this species in my son’s collection is broadly oval, measuring 2'3 inches in length by 2 
in breadth, and is perfectly white. 


Oedek TUBINARES.] 


[Fast. PROCELLAEIIBiE. 


purriNUS OBSCUEUS. 

(DUSKY SHEARWATER.) 


Dusky Petrel, Lath. Gen. Syn. vi. p. 416 (1785). 

Procellaria obscura, Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 659 (1788, ex Lath.). 

Nectris obscura, Kuhl, Beitr. Zool. 1820, p. 147, pi. xi. fig. 11. 

Puffinus obscurus, Bonap. Synop. 1828, p. o7l. 

Cymotomus obscurus, Macg. Man. Orn. 1844, ii. p. 13. 

Puffinus obscurus, Salvin, Ibis, 1888, p. 357. 

Ad. STiprti brunnescenti-niger : facie lateral! inferiore et corpore subtus albis : subalaribus exterioribus et sub- 
caudalibus externis cinerascenti-nigro variis ; rostro nigro : pedibus flavicanti-brunneis : iride nigra. 

Adult. Crown and sides of the bead, hind neck, and entire upper surface brownish black ; chin, fore neck, and 
entire under surface pure white ; feathers covering inner edges of wings and the lateral under tail-coverts 
largely varied with slaty black ; on the sides of the neck the dark plumage blends with the white of the 
under surface without any line of demarcation ; wing-feathers uniform dark brown ; tail-feathers black. 
Iridcs black ; bill jet-black and slightly polished ■, legs and feet yellowish brown, shading into brownish black 
on the outer side of the tarsi and on the outer toes ; claws black. Total length 13 inches ; wing, from 
flexure, 8'2; tail 3‘5; bill, along the ridge 1‘3, along the edge of lower mandible 1'6; tarsus l'4j middle 
toe and claw 1'8. 

Obs. There is no observable difference in the sexes, except that the dark plumage in the female is duller. 


Of this species Mr. Salvin writes {1. c.) : — “ A skin, said to have come from New Zealand, in our 
collection, belongs to the larger form of this species. It agrees with one from Manna, Samoa Islands, 
except that the crissum is white in the middle to its extremity, the sides alone being dusky. In the 
Samoa bird the central feathers of the crissum are dusky tipped with white. These differences can 
hardly be considered specific, seeing that considerable variation prevails in this respect when a large 
series of birds is examined. The smallest birds with the darkest crissum that I have seen are from 
the Pelew Islands.” 

Like most of the Petrels, it has a peculiar cry. Of another species, described further on, the Rev. 
Mr. Eaton in his account of the habits of the birds in Kerguelen Island (Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. 1879, 
p. 131) says : — “ Occasionally late in the evening and during the night a piercingly shrill piping note, 
repeated singly at intervals of four or five seconds, used to be heard on the hills about Observatory Bay. 
Generally the sound changed its direction, showing that the bird wLich uttered it was flying. This 
call might be imitated on a piccolo-fife in the key of G or F. In its complete form it consists of a 
series of single notes separated by pauses of four seconds or more, followed by a jerky succession of 
notes in the same tone. One night the sound was traced to a crevice in a cliff beneath an immovable 
rock. The place was marked by a pile of stones, and visited the next morning. While efforts were 
being made to move the rock the bird within the recess became alarmed, and uttered a cry somewhat 
like that of a Kestrel-hawk in its tone, but not nearly so loud. On another night the sound was 
followed up to a hill. Every now and then the bird ceased piping, but it recommenced whenever 
the call was imitated with the lips. Its nook was therefore easily discovered ; it was in a terrace on 
the hillside under a piece of rock. The stone was pulled away, the nesting-place laid open, and two 
birds in it disclosed, one of which escaped. The female was caught, and she proved to be a 
P. melanogaster.” 


Oedee TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLAEIIDiE. 


PUrriNUS ASSIMILIS. 

(ALLIED SHEARWATER.) 


Puffinus assimilis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, p. 186. 

Procellaria nugax, Solander, MS. (Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. 1856, p. 205). 
Puffinus assimilis, Salvin, Ibis, 1888, p. 357. 


Ad. similis P. obscuro, sed minor et obscurior, plumis corporis superioris cinerascente marginatis : subalaribus et 
snbeaudalibus omnino albis. 

Adult. Very similar in appearance to P. obscurus, but smaller. There is less brown in the dark colouring of the 
upper surface, the prevailing colour being slaty black, the edges of the feathers having a bluish-grey or ashy 
tinge ; the blending of colours on the sides of the neck is softer ; the lining of the wings is pure white over 
the entire surface, as are also the under tail-coverts j and the wing-feathers instead of being uniform slaty 
brown are white on their inner webs, shading into grey towards the tips. Irides black ; bill brownish black. 
Total length 12’5 inches; wing, from flexure, 7'75; tail 2'5; bill, along the ridge 1‘15, along the edge of 
lower mandible 1*25 ; tarsus 1'5 ; middle toe and claw 2. 

Nestling. Taken from the nest on Little Barrier, 6th Nov. Covered with long, soft, dark grey down, paler on 
the underparts, and becoming whitish on the crop ; throat bare, with minute white tufts of down j ust 
appearing. 

Obs. A specimen of P. assimilis, obtained by Mr, John Macgillivray on Raoul Island (Kermadee group), and 
now in the British-Museum collection, is somewhat smaller in all its dimensions, but precisely like our 
bird in all other respects — coloration of plumage, soft parts, &c. 


Me. EEiscnEK informs me that he found this species on the Chicken Island in December 1880. He 
discovered adult birds with their unhatched egg and the tuatara lizard {Sphenodonpunctatum) all in the 
same burrow, and sometimes young birds associated with the reptile, but occupying separate chambers. 
He writes : — “ I found them very plentiful at this season on the south-eastern side of this island. On 
the smaller island I met with them again, but there were only a few of them there. I noticed that 
they ventured further inland for the purpose of breeding than Puffinus gavia. They commence their 
nesting-operations about the end of October, and their habits at this season are in no respects different 
from those of the latter species.” 

Like Magagueus parMnsoni and CEstrelata cookii, it resorts, on the Little Barrier, to the wooded 
parts of the island, selecting always a high elevation and generally a little way inland. During the 
breeding-season the male bird habitually goes out to sea during the day, returning at night and 
hovering over the island with much clamour, but observing a discreet silence on approaching its nest. 

Beischek informs me that in bright moonlight nights he has found them sitting in the trees 
uttering their cry of ha-lcwa-lcwa. He obtained an egg on the 17th October which was nearly hatched 
out, and met with nestlings three weeks later. 

The egg of this Petrel is ovoido-conical in form, measures 2'2 inches in length by 1'4 in breadth, 
and when fresh is perfectly white. 


I 


Oedee TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLARIIDiE. 


PUFFINUS BULLEEL 

(BULLEE’S SHEAEWATEE.) 


Fuffinus hulleri, Salvin, Ibis, 1888, p. 354. 


Ad. suprk saturate griseus, capite toto supra cum cervice posticfl fuligiuoso-nigris, loris et regione oplithalmica vix 
griseo intermixtis : tectricibus alarum minoribus fuliginoso-iiigris, majoribus externe griseis et extrorsum 
albo limbatis : remigibus fuliginoso-nigris, pogonio interuo bitriente interiio nigro : pagiua alarum inferiore 
et corpore subtus niveis, crisso utrinque scbistaceo limbato : cauda cuiieata nigricante, rectricibus lateralibus 
griseo tinctis : rostro obscure plumbeo, mandibula infrji carnea : pedibus externe corylinis, interne flavis. 

Adult male. General upper surface dark slaty grey, shading into sooty brown on the crown, nape, and small wing- 
coverts ; the secondaries and their coverts margined with greyish white; the primaries and the tail-feathers 
black in their whole extent, the former greyish white on the under surface, except towards the tips ; the 
tertials and the scapulars hrowmish black, more or less tipped with grey; the upper tail-coverts somewhat 
lighter than the plumage of the hack, and each feather narrowly tipped with greyish white; throat, sides 
of face, the entire fore neck, and all the underparts pure white, except that the lateral under tail-coverts are 
slaty grey on their outer webs ; under surface of wings and axillary plumes pure white, only the long covert 
of the first primary on each wing showing a tendency to grey. Irides black ; hill blue-black, fading into 
bluish grey on the sides of both mandibles; inner side of tarsi, which are much flattened, the middle and 
inner toes, and the interdigital weh flesh-u'hite; outer aspect of tarsi and the whole of the outer toe 
brownish black. Total length 19'5 inches; extent of wings 40; wing, from flexure, 13; tail 6 ; bill, along 
tbe ridge 2, along the edge of lower mandible 2‘1 ; tarsus 1'8 ; middle toe and claw 3'o. 

Female. Mr. Salvin’s collection contains a specimen {purchased from Mr. MTiitely, of Woolwich, as having come 
from New Zealand) which is duller in plumage than my bird, with more brown on the upper surface. This 
is probably the female. 


The only example of this fine Petrel I have had an opportunity of examining in the flesh was 
picked up by myself on the ocean-beach near the mouth of the Waikanae river on the 1st October, 
1884, having been blown ashore by the “ rangawhenua,” as the Maoris call all winds from the sea. 

It is remarkable for its length of neck and tail. Indeed at first sight it looks more like a small 
Shag than a Petrel, and several of the Maoris at Waikanae to w'hom I showed it declared that it really 
was a Kawau till I pointed out to them its tubular nostrils. It proved on dissection to be a male. 

On passing Whale Island in a boat with a Maori crew in the summer of 1886, a black-looking 
Petrel wdth a conspicuously long tail hovered over us for some time and then steered out seaward at 
a considerable elevation aiid with a swift flight. On asking our steersman, Wepiha, if he knew the 
bird, he replied “ He Kahn no te moana ” (a Hawk from the sea). Unless I am right in referring the 
bird to the above species, I am unable to identify it, for it never came very near to us, and did not 
reappear from the dreary waste of waters. 

Mr. Salvin, who has been good enough to dedicate the species to myself, writes of it : — “ This 
distinct species appears to belong to the section of the genus possessing long cuneate tails, of which 
P. chlororhynchm is the best-known species. Its coloration at once makes it easily recognizable, no 
other species having a grey mantle, with which the dark head and dark wings are in striking contrast, 
this style of coloration being characteristic of many species of (Estrelata." 



J UDD «. C» LlM ITED. I 


; OELT S. LtTM 


LAUGHING PETREL. 

CESTRELATA AFFINIS. 


buller’s petrel 

PUFFINUS BULLERI. 


(ONE- HALF NATURAL SIZE .) 



Order TUBINARES.] 


[Fam. PROCELLARIID.E. 


ADAMASTOE CINEEEUS. 

(BROWN PETREL.) 


Cinereous Fulmar, Lath. Gen. Syn. ii. pt. 2, p. 405 (1785). 

Procellaria cinerea, Gm. Syst. Nat, i. p. 563 (1788, ex Lath.). 

Procellaria Jicesitafa, Forster, Descr. An. p. 208 (1844). 

Procellaria hasitata, Gould, B. Austr. fol. pi. 47 (1848). 

Priojinus cinereus, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 769 (1856). 

Adamastor typus, Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 187 (1857). 

Puffimis cinereus, Lawr. B. of N. Am. p. 835 (1860), 

Puffinus Tculilii, Cass. Proc. Phil. Acad. 1862, p. 327. 

Procellaria adamastor, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Procell. p. 25 (1863). 
Procellaria cinerea, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 305 (1873). 


Native name. — Kuia. 


Ad. supra cinerascenti-brunneus, dorsi plumis et supracaudalibus pallidiore brunneo terminatis ; remigibus et 
rectricibus brunnesceuti-nigris : facie et colli lateribus obscure cinerascentibus brunneo variis : subtus 
albus, pectoris lateribus brunneo lavatis : rostro flavo, versus apicem nigricante : pedibus sordide flavis ; 
iride nigra. 

Adult. Crown of the bead, back of the neck, and all the upper surface greyish brown, the feathers of the back 
and the upper tail-coverts edged with paler brown ; the face and sides of the neck dusky grey mottled with 
brown ; throat, fore neck, and all the underparts pure white, stained on the sides of the breast with brown ; 
quills and tail-feathers brownish black. Irides black ; bill yellow, stained towards the tips with black ; legs 
and feet dull yellow. Total length 20 inches ; wing, from flexure, 13'25 j tail 5'5 ; bill, following the 
curvature of upper mandible 2'5, from gape to extremity of lower mandible 2’5 ; tarsus 2 ; middle toe and 
claw 2'6. 


Pkofessoe Hutton states that this species is “ very common on the coast ; ” but I have never myself 
seen a specimen in New Zealand, nor do the local museums contain any. That it is extremely 
abundant, however, in certain latitudes may be inferred from the following notice of this Petrel 
in Darwin’s ‘ Voyage of a Naturalist : ’ — “ I do not think T ever saw so many birds of any one sort 
together as I once saw of these behind the island of Chiloe. Hundreds of thousands flew in an 
irregular line for several hours in one direction. When part of the flock settled on the water the 
surface was blackened, and a noise proceeded from them as of human beings talking in the 
distance.” 

There are tw'o specimens in Mr. Salvin’s collection received from Whitely as having been obtained 
in “ New-Zealand seas.” These are male and female. 

I met with a large flock of them, in the month of August, about 300 miles eastward of Australia. 
They appeared to he active on the wing and very restless. 


VOL. II. 


Oedee TUBINAEES.] 


[Eam. PEOCELLARIID^. 


MAJAQUEUS PAEKINSONL 

(BLACK PETREL.) 


Procellaria farMnsoni, Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 245. 

Majaqiieihs parkinsoni. Gray, Hand-I. of B. iii. p. 108 (1871). 

Frocellaria parkinsoni, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 302 (1873). 


Native names. — Taiko and Kuia. 


Ad. omnino brunnescenti-niger, interscapulio scapularibusque pallidioribus marginatis : rostro flavicanti-brunneo, 
culmine et apice brunnescentibus : pedibus nigris : iride nigra. 

Adult. Entire plumage brownish black, the feathers of the back and mantle narrowly edged with a lighter 
shade. Irides black ; hill yellowish horn-colour, shaded with dark brown on the culmen and towards the 
tips of both mandibles ; legs and feet black. Total length 18 inches ; wing, from flexure, 13’75 ; tail 5 ; 
bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 2, length of lower mandible 2 ; tarsus 2 ; middle toe and 
claw 2' 75, 

Young. Plumage, as in the adult, glossy black ; down adhering to underparts long, thick, and blackish brown 
in colour ; bill black, marked with horn-grey on the sides and unguis ; feet black. 

Nestling. The young is first thickly covered with sooty down, which adheres to the plumage for a considerable 
time, as in other Petrels, imparting to the body an appearance of unnatural size. It comes off first from the 
head, breast, and upper surface ; and in this operation the bird itself no doubt assists. 

Obs. The above description of the adult is taken from a New -Zealand specimen in the British Museum, presented 
by Miss R. Stone. Some examples have the underparts much tinged with brown. 


This species, which appears to be peculiar to the New-Zealand seas, is by no means uncommon in the 
Hauraki Gulf, resorting to the Little Barrier and adjacent islands to breed. Mr. Kirk, the well-known 
botanist, who has carefully explored these islands, informs me that he found both this and Gould’s 
Petrel breeding in subterranean burrows. He observed that the two birds differed entirely in cha- 
racter — M. gouldi being extremely vicious, fighting savagely even with a dog when attacked, whereas 
M. parkinsoni Avould allow itself to be seized by the hand in its burrow almost without resistance. 

It is diurnal in its habits, hunting in the open sea like the Albatros. I have watched several at 
one time following our steamer, not immediately in the ship’s track, but wheeling about with angular 
wings, like black kites, occasionally mounting high in the air, then descending almost to the surface, 
and always maintaining a circular course of flight. 

It has a soft whistling cry of kuia, whence its name. It is also said to make at certain times a 
mewing sound, like a young cat. 

I have not often been able to identify them on the wing, for, at a little distance, dark Petrels are 
all very much alike. A pair which I saw, in fine, calm weather, off the port of Napier early in 
December, were flying low, keeping close to the surface of the water, and with a somewhat rapid 
movement of their wings. 


243 


The stomachs of several which were examined contained blnbber-like matter and the sharp- 
pointed beak of some cephalopod. 

My son Walter obtained at Manawatu, in the month of September, an adult bird which had 
been captured by the Maoris far inland ; and at this season it was so fat that he had the utmost 
difficulty in detaching the skin. 

It breeds in communities, often resorting for that purpose to the tops of low mountains far 
removed from the sea. The Maoris soon discover these breeding-places, and not only collect the 
young, but capture large numbers of the old birds by lighting fires on calm nights and thus decoying 
them to their destruction. 

In the Bay of Plenty, about four miles north of Matata, there is a high sea-cliff of soft sand- 
stone called Te Tuhi-o-mahuika. The softer parts of the rock have been eroded by the weather, 
leaving the harder contorted strata intact and projecting from the face of the cliff in all sorts of 
eccentric shapes ; and here it was, according to Maori tradition, that their famous ancestor, Mahuika*, 
obtained most of his patterns in the art of ornamental “ tattooing.” That is doubtless a myth, but 
after allowing the eye to rest for some time on these curious natural devices in the face of the rock, 
I found I could trace a resemblance to many of the typical forms in the highly artistic moJco of the 
present day. In the deeper cavities caused by this singular erosion of nature the Black Petrel forms 
her nest and hatches her brood in perfect security, no one ever attempting to scale these perpendicular 
cliffs. 

Mr. Cheeseman writes to me from Auckland : — “ This species breeds on the coast-ranges north 
of the Manukau, and on the Cape Colville peninsula, also on many of the small islets off the eastern 
shore. A friend fishing a short time ago in Rangitoto channel, caught a small shark, w'hich he cut 
up for bait, throwing portions overboard. He was soon surrounded by large numbers of 21. pat'Jcinsoni, 
and by continuing to throw over small pieces of the shark, he induced them to come so near the boat 
as to enable him to kill several with the blade of his oar, some of which he brought to the Museum.” 

Mikaera, a Wainuiomata native, brought to the Colonial Museum, on the 1st February, an egg 
of this species which he had taken from a burrow in the hills on the north side of Wellington harbour ; 
and I have received eggs from the Little Barrier in the beginning of December. 

Mr. Reischek found it nesting under the root of a tree, near the top of the Waikomiti hill, fully 
twelve miles from the sea. He likewise met with it on the Little Barrier, principally on the tops of 
the hills and about the centre of the island. He generally found it in natural cavities, dug round 
and adapted to the wants of the bird. When not breeding two were often found associated in the 
same hole ; but when the nest contained an egg, only the female remained in charge. In the month 
of November he has seen the old birds assisting each other in the labour of cleaning out and adapting 
the hole they have selected, and afterwards in collecting dry leaves and pieces of moss wherewith to 
make it comfortable and form a nest, which is usually placed in a depression at the further end of the 
cavity. These breeding-holes are generally from one to two feet deep : then comes the nest-chamber, 
measuring often tvvo feet in extent and about half that in width. One nest was found in the hollow 
of an old puriri stump. At the end of November a single egg is produced and, according to the 
natives, the young bird is hatched out at the end of December or beginning of January. In April or 
May the canoes visit the island to collect the young Petrels, which by this time have grown to the 
full size and are excessively fat. Except at the breeding-season, when they are to be seen about 
the island in the early morning and again in the evening, these birds are only to be met with far out 

* Malwika -was the Maori “ TJlysaos.” It was he who discovered the art of making fire by the friction of two dry 
sticks. He had dominion over the animal creation and was exacting in his demands. On one occasion, according to mythical 
tradition, being thirsty he appealed to the Kiwi to bring him water. The bird refused, whereupon he kicked it and broke its 
back, which accounts for the crouching attitude of the Kiwi as compared with other birds. 


2z 2 


244 


at sea, hovering about the ship till darkness closes in the view, but always refusing to take the hook. 
Off the West Coast of New Zealand, in lat. 36° S., and about a hundred miles from land, numbers have 
been met with at one time, and no doubt its range extends far over the South Pacific. Mr. Keischek’s 
experience of the nesting-bird differs from Mr. Kirk’s, for he informs me that in every instance he 
found the old birds very fierce when their nest was invaded, scratching vigorously with their 
claws, which have extremely fine points and are capable of inflicting nasty wounds on the hand. 
On coming in from the sea, the old birds show great caution in approaching their nests by moon- 
light, making first a circuit in the air around the spot, then dropping suddenly to the ground 
and remaining a short time at the entrance, as if to make sure that all is safe before disappearing 
in their burrows. They have a deep call, only uttered when on the wing in the vicinity of 
the nest, and this may be heard both morning and evening all through the breeding-season. 

He writes * ; “ This Petrel is gregarious, and I have seen them in large flocks together resting on 

the water. Their power of flight is marvellous. In July 1879, outside the Kaipara, on the west 
coast of New Zealand, I had an opportunity of observing these birds, having to lay by outside the bar 
for several days, being unable to enter, as it was blowing one of the severest gales experienced in these 
seas. They cruised about, dipping the points of their wings at intervals in the water, then suddenly 
swooping down through the foaming waves for their prey ; rising with the next wave, and repeating 
their former action. From July to November these birds are always out at sea. In November they 
come ashore to their breeding-places, on the top of high and steep mountains, which they choose for 
the purpose of easier flight, as they have difficulty in ascending from the level ground. They are 
expert climbers. I saw them by the aid of their sharp claws, their bill and wings, climbing up trees 
out of the perpendicular, from which they flew away. In November 1882, on the eastern slope and 
near the centre of the Little Barrier or Hauturu Island, situated north of Auckland, at about 2300 
feet above sea-level, on a steep, precipitous ridge, I noticed my dog repeatedly setting at burrows, 
which, on examination, I found contained Procellaria parJcinsoni. They were clearing out their old 
burrows ; and staying to observe, I noticed them digging with their bills, removing the earth by a 
backward motion of their feet, till the burrow was cleansed. In most cases I found them working ; 
in others the burrows were clean and the refuse outside. Some burrows were in loose soil, others 
under the roots of trees and under stones, also in hollow trees. I have found them sometimes very 
far inland, and always on the tops of mountains. When they have finished cleaning out the burrows, 
which process male and female accomplish together, they remain quiet till the last rays of the sun 
have disappeared, then any one can hear their call, which is similar to that of the Black Swan ; and 
on coming out they stop a moment, pick up a few leaves or grass, and go back into the burrows ; this 
operation they repeat several times, and always on entering the chamber they make a peculiar noise 
together. After dark, both come out, rise and circle round, calling until they attract others ; and when 
a large flock is assembled, they fly away to their haunts on the ocean, returning before daylight. At 
this season, before they lay, they are very fat. When caught, on their return from the ocean, if they 
cannot protect themselves by scratching and biting, they expectorate a lot of oily matter on their 
assailant. The first time I caught one of these birds it treated me in that manner. In December 
1884, on the Waitakerei ranges, 1000 feet above sea-level, and twelve miles from the ocean, I found 
the female sitting on an egg, nearly hatched.” 

An egg in my son’s collection is broadly elliptical, measuring 2'7 inches in length by 2 in breadth ; 
originally white, it is much soiled over its entire surface by contact with the bird’s feet. Other 
specimens which I have examined are slightly narrower or more elliptical. 

* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. xviii. pp. 87, 88. 


Oedeb TUBIN' AEES.] 


[Fam. PROCELLAEIID^. 


MAJAQUETJS GOULDL 

(GREY-FACED PETREL.) 


Pterodroma macroptera, Gould, Handb. B. of Austr. ii. p. 449 (1865, nec Smith). 
jPlstrelata gouldii, Hutton, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. ii. p. 79 (1869). 

Procellaria gouJdi, Hutton, Cat. Birds N. Z. p. 47 (1871). 

Procellaria gouldi, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 308 (1873). 

Native name. — Oii. 


Ad. fuliginoso-niger, subtus brunnescentior : fronte, loris et facie antica albicanti-cinereis : rostro et pedibus nigris ; 
iride nigr^. 

Adult male. General plumage sooty black, tinged Avith brown on the underparts ; forehead and parts surrounding 
the base of the bill whitish grey, shading gradually into the darker plumage. Irides, bill, and feet black. 
Total length 17 inches; wing, from flexure, 12; tail 5; bill, along the ridge 2, along the edge of lower 
mandible 1-75 ; tarsus 1-5 ; middle toe and claw 2-5. 

Female. Differs from the other sex only in having the plumage more suffused with brown, many of the feathers 
of the back, breast, and under tail-coverts being margined with pale brown. 

Young. There is a full-grown fledgling in the Auckland Museum, in which the plumage is as in the adult, but 
Avith long thick down of a sooty-grey colour still adhering to the breast, and some paler-coloured down on 
the throat. Obtained on the Hen Island in the Hauraki group. 

Nestling. Covered with dingy slaty- grey down; the black feathers appear first on the head and in four or five 
parallel series on the cheeks. The down is long, thick, and fluffy, especially on the underparts ; and the 
bill and feet arc perfectly black. 

Remarks. The form of this Petrel is rather slender ; the tail is long and cuneate ; and the wings, when folded, 
extend about half an inch beyond it. 


I HAVE taken the above description from the type specimen in the Auckland Museum. Professor 
Hutton, who first distinguished the species, observes :■ — “ It is very common on the Tasmanian and 
New-Zealand coasts, and is undoubtedly the bird that Mr. Gould refers to as the dark Petrel with a 
grey face, which he shot off the coast of Tasmania, and which he suggests might be Procellaria 
macroptera of Dr. A. Smith. According to that author, however, the bird he called P. macroptera 
has no grey face, but a white circle round the eye and reddish-brown legs and feet, in all of which 
respects it differs from the present bird .... I am informed by Mr. Kirk that this bird breeds in holes 
on a little island called Kitakita, near the Kawau, and that when attacked by dogs fights hard for its 
life, often tearing open their noses with its sharp curved bill, and in this respect differing remarkably 
from P. parlcinsoni, which Ave found on the Little Barrier Island to surrender at discretion, without 
any fighting.” 

As already stated on p. 221, Mr. Salvin disallows this species ; but I have thought it safer to 
retain it for the present, especially as Dr. Finsch writes : — “ I got the type specimen from the Auckland 


246 


Museum for comparison, and am quite sure of its specific distinctness ” (Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. vii. 
p. 233). 

I have seen this Petrel as far south as the Bay of Plenty. It flies low and more swiftly than 
M. parkinsoni. 

Unlike the preceding species, which resorts to the summits of the hills, this Petrel, which is 
comparatively plentiful on the Little Barrier, generally seeks holes near the base of the cliffs. They 
breed in companies, sometimes four or five pairs having their nests within the same little cavern, 
each nest being placed at the end of a separate burrow, having a bend and varying in length, with an 
oval chamber at the further end. These burrows are generally about three feet in extent (one, how- 
ever, measured four), and the nest-chamber is decidedly smaller than that usually formed by klajd- 
Q 116 US pOiTkinsoni, The egg is deposited on a few dry leaves, there being very little care bestowed on 
the nest itself. 

Like the allied species it is diurnal at sea, and doubtless sleeps at night on the bosom of the 
deep, for it does not return to land after the responsibilities of the breeding-season are over ; but with 
the recurrence of spring, the reproductive instinct impels it again to navigate its way back to its 
“ island sanctuary ” to repair its burrow and refit its nest. 

Reischek found Gould’s Pertel all round the coast of the Little Barrier, and on some occasions 
came upon wild pigs intent on rooting out the eggs and young birds. This they would often accomplish 
if the conditions were favourable. In the case of CEstrelata cookii, however, the length and tortuous 
course of the burrow placed the nest beyond the reach of these merciless depredators. The above 
collector found broken egg-shells at the end of August, and the Maoris say that the breeding-season 
extends through September, which is no doubt the fact, as the young birds do not come to their full 
maturity till the end of December or beginning of .lanuary, when the food-parties repair to the island 
to dig them out. 

Curiously enough, here again Messrs. Hutton, Kirk, and Reischek are at issue, for the latter 
says : — “ Instead of being fierce like Procellaria 'parkinsoni, which rushes to the attack the moment 
the dog shows himself at the mouth of the hole, P. gouldi is a comparatively mild bird, retiring 
when molested to the furthest corner of its burrow, and only biting when taken hold of.” As this 
collector furnished me with specimens of both birds, there can be no doubt as to the identification of 
the species to which his notes refer. 

My explanation of this conflict of testimony among accurate observers is that it is impossible to 
lay down any general rule of character for either species, their conduct under circumstances entirely 
novel to them being determined partly by the disposition of the individual bird and partly by the 
conditions under which they are found, for theoretically a mother with hatched offspring would be 
fiercer than the occupant of a newly-made nest. 

There is a breeding-place of this Petrel, as I am informed, sixty miles inland from Opotiki, near 
the source of the Waioeka, a river which takes its rise in Maungatapere and Rangiwhakakapua, the 
range of mountains terminating at the East Cape. It is said to breed in large numbers on the Island 
of Karewa, in the Bay of Plenty. In March the Maoris visit the island and collect the young of this 
and other species. 

This Petrel breeds also on Whale Island and on the other small islands off the east coast, on 
several of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, and (according to Cheeseman) on. the coast-line north of 
the Manukau. 

An egg of this species, in the Auckland Museum, which was obtained on one of the small islands 
in the Gulf of Hauraki, is of a regular oval form, measuring 2-6 inches in length by I'75 in breadth, 
and is of a dirty white colour. Another specimen in my son’s collection is more ovoid, measuring 
2-75 inches in length by 1-95 in breadth, and is of a creamy-white colour. 


Oedee TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLAEIID^. 


GAEEODIA NEEEIS. 

(GREY-BACKED STORM-PETREL.) 


Thalassidroma nereis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1840, p. 178. 

Procellaria nereis, Bonap. C. E. xlii. p. 769 (1856). 

Thalassidroma nereis, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 322 (1873). 

Garrodia nereis, Forbes, P. Z. S. 1881, p. 736. 

Ad. pileo colloque toto, cum interscapulio et tectricibus alarum minimis, et medianis exterioribus fuliginoso-nigris : 
dorso postico, uropygio et supracaudalibus, scapularibus et tectricibus alarum majoribus canescentibus : 
remigibus brunnescenti-nigris, secundariis vix cauescente lavatis ; caudd sordide canescente, ad apicem 
nigricante : gutture pallidiiis fuliginoso : corpore reliquo subtus albo, subalaribus exterioribus brunneis : 
rostro nigro, versus basin maudibulEe albicaute : pedibus saturate brunneis : iride nigrd. 

Adult. Head, neck, and all the upper surface dark ash-grey ; rump and upper tail-coverts paler, or silvery grey ; 
under surface pure white, the grey plumage preseuting a distinct margin across the upper part of the breast. 
Irides and bill black, the latter whitish towards the base of lower mandible ; legs and feet dark brown. 
Length 6'5 inches; extent of wings 13 ; wing, from flexure, 5'5; tail 2'75 ; bill, along the ridge ’5, along 
the edge of lower mandible ’55 ; bare tibia '6 ; tarsus 1‘3 ; middle toe and claw 1. 

Ods. The sexes are alike, both as to size and plumage. 


This pretty little Storm-Petrel Avas originally discovered and described by Mr. Gould, who obtained 
four specimens during a calm on his passage from Hobart Town to Sydney in May 1839, and who met 
with it again a month earlier in the following year betiveen New South Wales and the northernmost 
point of New Zealand. I have received specimens from Otago and from Cape Campbell. Under 
stress of weather it is sometimes driven inland, and I remember an instance of a foot-passenger on 
the Wanganui bridge catching one Avith his hands as it fluttered past him. 

The species is readily distinguishable from the other Storm-Petrels by its diminutive size and 
the absence of white on the rump. 

Mr. Keischek found it breeding on Guano Island in the beginning of November. He discovered 
flve or six nests, each containing a single egg. 

Mr. Percy Seymour sends me the following note: — “I found a number of nests of this Petrel on 
Tomahawk Island, Otago Peninsula, on the 18th January. The birds had been previously disturbed, 
and their eggs taken, and they were therefore probably unusually late in breeding, for I have, on 
another occasion, obtained fresh eggs as early as November 23. The nests Avere situated in burroAvs, 
about 18 inches deep, and resembling rat-holes. Five of the nests contained one young bird each, 
and the other five one egg each, on which the female bird Avas sitting in every case. I Avas able to 
preserve only two of the eggs, as in the others the young birds inside broke the shell before I reached 
home. The specimen in my cabinet measures 1‘46 inch by 1‘05, and is white, faintly stained Avith 
yelloAvish brown, and marked all over with faint blotches of purplish red, with numerous tiny dots of 
a darker shade. The marks are most numerous at one end, but both ends are equally rounded. 

An egg of this species in my son’s collection is ovoido-elliptical, has a fine granulate surface, and 
measures 1‘25 inch in length by ‘9 in breadth; originally Avhite, it has noAV a soiled appearance, 
with a zone of minute specks at the larger end. 


Oedee TUBINAEES.] 


[Fam. PEOCELLARIID^. 


PELAGODEOMA MAEINA. 

(WHITE-FACED STOEM-PETREL.) 


Frigate Petrel, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 410 (1785). 

Procellaria marina. Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. p. 826 (1790). 

Tlialassidroma marina. Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 17 (1844). 
Thalassidroma hypoleiica, Moquin-Tandon, Orn. Canar. p. 45 (c. 1850). 
Pelagodroma marina, Reich. Syst. Av. p. iv (1852). 

Pelagodroma fregata, Bonap. C. E. xlii. p. 769 (1856). 

Thalassidroma. marina, Hutton, Ibis, 1872, p. 249. 

Thalassidroma fregata, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 321 (1873). 


Ad. suprk cinerascenti-f uliginosus, pileo saturatiore : uropygio imo et supracaudalibus clariiis cineraceis : tectricibus 
alarum brunnescentibus, majoribus pallidioribus : remigibus et rectricibus brunnescenti-nigris : fronte cum 
supercilio distincto, facie lateral! et corpore subtiis toto albis : plumis circumocularibus et regione auricular! 
ciuerascenti-fuliginosis : collo lateral!, hypochondilis imis et subcaudalibus clarius cineraceis : rostro nigro : 
pedibus nigris, palmis flavicantibus : iride saturate rufescenti-nigra. 

Adult. Crown of the head, nape, and a broad patch from the under margins of the eyes, spreading over the ear- 
coverts, sooty grey ; upper surface sooty brown, darker on the wings, and changing to a light grey on the 
upper tail-coverts j forehead, streak over the eyes, face, throat, and all the underparts pure white, shading 
into grey on each side of the breast ; quills and tail-feathers brownish black, the former greyish white on 
their inner webs. Irides dark reddish brown ; bill black ; legs and feet black, the webs yellowish. Total 
length 8 inches j wing, from flexure, 6 ; tail 3 ; bill, following the curvature of upper mandible 65, length 
of lower mandible '75 ; bare tibia '85 j tarsus 1-5 ; middle toe and claw 1-4. 

Nestling. Covered with thick long down of a uniform grey colour. 

Obs. Both sexes appear to be exactly alike. The Canterbury Museum contains several specimens, both male 
and female, from the Chatham Islands. 

Individuals present a certain degree of variation. A specimen in the Otago Museum has the crown and 
upper surface generally blackish brown ; underparts white ; the former colour extending downwards in a 
broad band over both sides of the chest, but not meeting ; face with a broad patch of slaty black covering 
the eyes, spreading over the ear-coverts, and merging in the dark chest-band ; under tail-coverts bluish grey. 

A specimen in the Auckland Museum (sent from Mokohinu Lighthouse) has the patch on the face 
conspicuously darker, and the interdigital webs pale yellow, with black edges, and a line of black between 
the inner and middle toe. 


The White-faced Storm-Petrel appears to have a wide range over the southern ocean. It is not so 
plentiful, however, off the New-Zealand coast as the Grey-backed Storm-Petrel, although the habits 

of the two birds appear to be very much the same. 

Mr. Gilbert discovered it building in some of the small islands lying off Cape Leuwin, in South 
Australia, in December ; and he met with young birds almost ready to leave their holes, on East 
Wallaby Island, a month later. Its egg, of which I have obtained several specimens, is pure white, 
and measures I ’5 inch in length by 1'15 in breadth. 


Oebeu TUBUSTARES.] 


FEEGETTA MEL ANO GASTEE. 

(BLACK-BELLIED STORM-PETREL.) 


[Eam. peocellariida?. 


Procellaria grallaria, Licht. Verz. Doubl. p. 83 (1823). 

Thalassidroma melanogaster, Gould, Ann. N. H. xiii. p. o67 (1844). 

Fregetta melanogastra, Bonap. C. E-. xlii. p. /69 (1856). 

Procellaria melanogastra, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Procell. p. 6 (1863). 
Thalassidroma melanogaster, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 319 (1873). 


Ad. fuliginoso-brunneus, tectricibus alarum majoribus pallidius brunnesceutibus : gul4 albo vari^, plumis basaliter 
albis : corporis lateribus, supracaudalibus, subalaribus et axillaribus albis : subcaudalibus fubginosis albo 
terminals : rostro et pedibus nigris ; iride nigrCi. 

Adidt. General plumage sooty blaek, darker on the wings and tail ; sides of tlie body, flanks, and long upper 
tail-coverts pure white ; some of the under tail-eoverts on each side edged with white ; long inner wmg- 
coverts and axillary plumes pure white. Irides black; bill and legs black. Total length 9 inches; wing, 
from flexure, 6-5 ; tail 3 ; bill, along the ridge '75, along the edge of lower mandible '9 ; bare tibia 75 ; 

tarsus 1-5 ; middle toe and claw I'l. 

Occasional examples of this Storm-Petrel are recorded; and specimens are to be found in the 
Auckland, Nelson, and Canterbury Museums, all obtained on the adjacent coasts. Mr. Gould, who 
met with it in great abundance, in March 1840, between the eastern coast of Australia and New 
Zealand, observes It is a bird of powerful flight, and pats the surface of the rising waves more 
frequently than any other species that came under my notice ; or perhaps the great length of its legs 
rendered this action more conspicuous.” 

Dmin- stormy weather it often follows in the wake of the labouring vessel, and apparently for 
days together. I observed this myself, in 1856, during a severe gale, experienced off the Chatham 
Islands, which lasted nearly a fortnight. These Storm-Petrels followed us day and night ; and it was 
some relief to the extreme monotony and misery of our situation (for our vessel was a mere schooner 
of 80 tons) to watch the movements of these fairy-like beings as they danced among the surgmg 
billows, running with Huttering wings in the hollow of the waves, and then hovering over their foaming 
crests with the lightness of summer butterflies. I observed that the same individual bird often 
remained in our wake for considei-able distances, without ever resting on the water or changing its 
course for one moment, its powers of endurance being truly wonderful. I found, on inquiry, that 
seamen make no distinction between this species of Storm-Petrel and its congeners, calling them alt 
“ Mother Carey’s chickens,” and resenting as a positive sin any attempt to shoot or capture these 
“ spirits of departed sailors,” as they facetiously term them, to whom they profess to commit the 
destinies of the voyage. It is an interesting sight to watch this Petrel fluttering over the stormy 
ocean — alternately skimming over the rolling billows and treading, as it were, the trou,, o 
It is a pretty object when seen under these circumstances, and it is not surprising that r 
immemorial it has excited the sympathy of the hardy sailor. As the bird trips light y ovei 
w-aves the black and white plumage shows very clearly against the opaline blue of the 
Like the other members of the group, it subsists on small mollusks, medusm, and any in o greasy 
substance that may be floating on the water. 


VOL. II. 


Oedee TTJBINAEES.] 


OCEANITES OCEANICUS. 

(WILSON'S STORM-PETREL.) 


[Fam. PROCELLAEIID^. 


Procellaria pelagica, Wilson, Am. Orn. vii. p. 90, pi. 69 (1813, nec. L.). 

Procellaria oceanica, Kuhl, Beitr. Zool. p. 136, tab. x. fig. 1 (1820). 

Procellaria wilsoni, Boiiap. Journ. Acad. Phil. iii. pt. 2, p. 2 d1 (1824). 

Thalassidroma wilsoni, Aud. Birds Amer. 8vo, vol. viii. p. 106, pi. 460 (1839). 

Thalassidroma oceanica, Schinz, Europ. Faun. p. 397, pi. 1 (1840). 

Oceanites ivilsoni. Keys. & Bias. Wirb. Eur. p. 238 (1840). 

Oceanites oceanica, Bonap. C. B. xlii. p. / 69 (1856). 

Oceanites oceanicus, Salvin, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1878, p. 736. 

Ad. fuliginoso-brunneus, pileo undique aliquanto cinerasceiite, regione auriculari et collo postico magis nigricantibus : 
tectricibus alai'um fumoso-nigricantibus, majoribus versus apicem pallide brunneis : remigibus rectricibusque 
nigris, intus brunnescentibus : supracaudalibus et crissi lateribus conspicue albis : plumis uropygialibusimis 
nigris albo terminatis : subcaudalibus saturate brunneis ad basin albis : rostro nigro : pedibus nigris, mem- 
branis interdigitalibus sordide flavis : iride nigra. 

Adult. General plumage sooty black, darker on tbe bead aud hind neck j a broad band of white crosses the 
rump and upper tail-coverts, covers the flanks and spreads out on each side of the under tail-coverts ; small 
upper wing-coverts margined with pale brown j quills and tail-feathers black, the former dusky on their 
inner webs. Irides, bill, and legs black; interdigital webs dull yellow. Total length 7 inches; wing, from 
flexure, 6-3 ; tail 3 ; bill, along the ridge '6, along the edge of lower mandible ’7 ; bare tibia -5 ; tarsus 1-3 ; 
middle toe aud claw 1T5. 

Obs. The sexes are exactly alike in plumage. 


This species is almost cosmopolitan on the high seas. It is very numerous in the ocean that surrounds 
the Australian coast, and is sometimes met with off New Zealand, although it is by no means so plentiful 
as the other species of Storm-Petrel*. Mr. Salvin’s collection contains several specimens from the Azores. 

The gifted Charles Waterton thus refers to this species at page 154 of his charming ‘ Wander- 
ings ’ ; “ When it blows a hard gale of wind the Stormy Petrel makes its appearance. While the 

sea runs mountains high, and every wave threatens destruction to the labouring vessel, this little 
harbinger of storms is seen enjoying itself, on rapid pinion, up and down the roaring billows. When 
the storm is over it appears no more. It must have been hatched in jEolus s cave, amongst a clutch 
of squalls and tempests ; for whenever they get out upon the ocean it always contrives to be of the 
party.” 

* Another well-known species {Fregetta grallaria) is certain to occur in our seas ; but as no authentic New-Zealand 
specimen has been yet recorded, I will content myself with giving here a description of the bird, whereby it may hereafter be 
identified by local collectors : — Adult. Head, neck, and entire upper surface, except the uropygium, sooty black ; the feathers 
of the back and the larger wing-coverts minutely margined with white ; breast, abdomen, sides of the body, and middle portion 
of wings underneath, flanks, rump, and upper tail-coverts pure white ; lateral under tail-coverts tipped with white. Irides, 
bill, and feet black. Total length 7-25 inches ; wing, from flexure, G-5 ; tail 3 ; bill, along the ridge -75, along the edge of 
lower mandible -8 ; bare tibia -6; tarsus 1'3 ; middle toe and claw -8. The sexes are aflke in plumage, except that the female 
appears to have broader white margins on the plumage of the upper surface. 


Oedee ANSEEES.] 


[Faju. ANATIJD^. 


ANAS STIPEECILIOSA. 

(GREY DUCK.) 


Supercilious Duck, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 497 (178-5). 
Anas superciliosa, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 537 (1788, ex Lath.). 
Ayias leucophrys, Forster, Descr. Anim. p. 93 (1844). 

Anas mulleri, Bonap. C. B. xliii. p. 649 (1856). 


Native names. — Parera and Maunu (Taupo). 

Ad. suprfi, brunneus, pliimis omnibus fulvescente'margiuatis, pilei et colli postici plumis quasi striatis : linea super- 
ciliari distincta fulvescenti-alba, altera inferiore brunne^l a summa maxilla per oculum post regionem paroti- 
cam duct& : facie reliqua et guttiire toto fulvescenti-albis, lineS, faciali indistinctiore a basi maxdlm versus 
regionem paroticam, bac et colli lateribus brunneo striatis : tectricibus alarum dorso coucoloribus et eodem 
modo limbatis, majoribus velutino-nigro terminals : remigibus brunneis, secundariis extus Isete purpura- 
scenti-viridibus, versus apicem velutino-nigris, auguste albo terminatis : cauda brunaeil, rcctricibus anguste 
fulvo marginatis: corpore reliquo subtus pallidius brunneo, late fulvescente raargioatis, quasi marmoratis; 
subalaribus albis ; rostro plumbeo, mandibuht brmmescente : pedibus flavicanti-brunneis : iride rufescenti- 
brunneS.. 

Adult. Top of the head and a broad streak from the base of the upper maudible through the eyes brownish 
black, the former slightly marked with grey ; a narrow streak from the forehead over the eyes, the cheeks 
and the whole of the throat yellowish white, sometimes tinged with rufous ; from the gape, or angles of the 
mouth, and crossing the cheeks a mottled streak of very dark brown ; ear-coverts and sides of the neck 
greyish brown, mottled or striated with yellowish white ; general upper surface blackish brown, each feather 
margined more or less distinctly with fulvous white, and those composing the mantle having a strong 
coppery hue; fore neck, breast, and underparts greyish brown, varied with fulvous white ; inner lining of 
wings and axillary plumes pure white ; sides of the body and flanks blackish brown, each feather margined 
with dull fulvous white ; primary quills dark velvety brown on their upper surface, greyish underneath; 
speculum rich glossy green, hounded on both sides with velvety black ; the secondaries with a narrow 
terminal edge of white, and of those overlapping the speculum the whole of the inner webs deep velvety 
black ; the superior wing-coverts dark brown, with a broad edging of velvety black, below which there is a 
line of yelloAvish white. Irides reddish brown; hill bluish lead-colour, the nail black, and the lower 
mandible tinged with brown; legs yellowish brown, the webs darker. Length 20 inches; wing, from 
flexure, 16; tail 2'5 ; hill, along the ridge 2, along the edge of lower mandible 2-25 ; tarsus 1-5 ; middle toe 

and claw 2' 25. 

Young. General plumage paler than in the adult ; the facial streaks, and the throat, washed with fulvous brown ; 
the underparts tinged with rufous brown. 

Sestlmg. Upper parts dark olive-brown, with produced hair-like filaments of paler brown ; sides of the head 
and underparts of the body pale yellowish brown, lightest on the abdomen; from the base of the hill, on 
each side, a dark band passes beyond the eye, and another in a curve below it; there are markings of fulvous 
white on the edges of the rvings ; and on each side of the back there are two irregular spots of the same, 
about an inch apart. Irides black ; hill and legs plumbeous, the nail of the former brown. 

Varieties. Slight differences are observable in the plumage of fully adult birds ; and a specimen which I obtained 
at Manawatu in the winter of 1864 was very curiously marked on the breast, each feather having a crescentic 

2 k2 


252 


or horse-shoe hand of yellowish white, similar to the markings on the breast of the Shoveller. There is also 
a manifest difference in the size of the birds from different localities. 

A specimen in my collection (marked $ ) has the whole of the face and throat stained, and the white 
of the underparts strongly suffused, with chestnut-brown ; the speculum on the wing indistinct, the feathers 
being outwardly edged with brown. 

An example obtained from the Wairarapa Lake, and presented by me to the Colonial Museum, is much 
larger than ordinary examples, and presents some peculiar markings in the plumage. There is a broad 
irregular patch of white on the lower part of the fore neck ; the .speculum on the wings is nearly obliterated, 
the secondaries being dull white on their outer webs, while their coverts have a broad terminal band of pale 
brown and white. The two outer primaries in one wing, and the second and third in the other, are entirely 
white. There are likewise some eccentric markings on the feathers of the crop and sides of the breast. These 
individual peculiarities may be due to hybridism, possibly the result of a cross with the Domestic Duck. 

Another, which I likewise presented to the Colonial Museum, is a partial albino received from Marl- 
borough. In this specimen the primaries and secondaries in both wings are almost entirely white in 
their apical portion; a broad band of white meets the upper margin of the speculum; the wing-coverts are 
irregularly barred with white, and some of the scapulars are entirely white. 

My eldest son, during a shooting-excursion to Ngapuke, in the Hawkers Bay district, saw on several 
occasions a pure albino among several hundred of the Grey Duck, and remarked on its large size and 
swiftness of wing. It was very shy and he was unable to get a shot at it. 

Obs. The sexes arc alike in plumage, but differ slightly in size. In well-plumaged birds the light margins on 
the wing-coverts form crescentic loops, like fine network. 

Hybrid. More recently (in March 1885) my son shot at Wainuiomata, near Wellington harbour, what is 
undoubtedly a hybrid. It is a fine bird, and weighed in the flesh 3 lb. 9 oz. 

This specimen combines in a very pronounced way the characters of the two species to which it owes 
its parentage. On dissection it proved to be a female. Careful measurements before the bird was skinned 
gave the following resnlt : — Extreme length 34‘5 inches ; tail 4 ; bill, along the ridge 2, along the edge of 
lower mandible 2'25; tarsus 1'75; middle toe and claw 2'5. The crop was widely distended with the seed-vessels 
of some cyperaccous plant. The following is a description of the plumage : — Head, neck, and breast the same 
as in the male parent bird, except that there is a broad patch of pure white on the chin, and another, two inches 
wide, crossing the fore neck immediately above the breast ; underparts generally uniform brownish black ; 
small w'ing-coverts exactly as in the parent bird, with marginal crescents ; speculum broad and black with 
steel-blue reflections at the base, margined on both sides with white, which is continued on the secondaries, 
being more or less mixed with grey ; quills black, the first two in both wings w'hite ; lining of w'ings white ; 
mantle, back, rump, and upper tail-coverts black, the whole of the back having a bluish gloss ; tail-feathers 
brownish black ; bill (which is large and broad like that of the Domestic Duck) greyish black, wdth a 
darker nail ; under mandible dull yellow marked with brown ; legs and feet dull orange-yellow, the inter- 
digital webs brownish black, marked irregularly with bright yellow towards the outer edge, as so commonly 
seen in the domestic bird. 

When shot it was in association with a male of Anas superciliosa and two well-grown young birds. 


Common in every part of our country, the Grey Duck ranges over the whole of Australia as well, and 
is found also in some of the Polynesian islands. I found it extremely abundant at the Chatham 
Islands ; and. it is said to occur on Norfolk Island also *. 

* In my former edition I treated Anas sandwiehensis (Boiiap. C. E. xliii. p. 049, sine diag.) as a synonym of this species ; 
and in my Introduction to the present work (page Ivi) I have extended the range of our bird accordingly. But my attention 
has since been directed to Dr. Sclater’s more recent differentiation of that species under the name of Anas wijvilUana (Proc. 
Zool. Soc. 1878, p. 350). 

Mr. Layard writes of Anas superciliosa (Ibis, 1882, p. 537) : — “ This is the common Duck of the country (in New 
Caledonia), being found on all our marshes and rivers when not too much persecuted by sportsmen and pot-hunters ; it also 
frequents the sea-shore and islands within the circling reef. It breeds inland, generally on the mountains covered with niaoulic- 
forest near some damp spot, either a rivulet of water or a little swamp, but is especially careful to place its rough loose nest 
above the reach of a chance inundation.” 


It is deservedly in high estimation for the table, and may be regarded as perhaps the most 
valuable of our indigenous birds. It is less plentiful than it formerly was, which is no doubt partly 
attributable to the increased traffic on our rivers, but is chiefly owing to the indiscriminate use of 
the gun. Happily, however, the Colonial Legislature has undertaken the care of this among other 
native species, and the Wild-Birds Protection Act now makes it a punishable offence to shoot or trap 
these birds during certain months of the year. 

It frequents rivers, bush-creeks, lagoons, and swamps, often consorting in large flocks, but more 
generally associating in parties of from three to seven. In some localities it affords very good 
shooting ; and being seminocturnal in its habits, a clear moonlight night is considered by many the 
best time for this kind of sport. The birds on reaching their feeding-ground make a circuit in the 
air to reconnoitre, and then descend in an oblique direction, the rapid vibration of their wings pro- 
ducing a whistling sound, very familiar and pleasant to the ear of a sportsman. 

In its habits, the Grey Duck differs in no respect from the other members of its group. In the 
water it swims low, with the neck erect and the head gently swayed to and fro ; when at rest it either 
floats on the surface, with the head drawn closely in, or it reposes on the bank very near to the 
water’s edge, often selecting a jutting point of land, as affording a more unobstructed view and less 
danger of surprise ; and when the banks are soft and muddy it takes up its station on a log of wood, 
bare rock, or other projecting object. Naturally of a wild disposition, the attempts to domesticate 
this bird, even when it is taken from the nest and reared by hand, generally end in failure — although 
I have met with one or two striking instances to the contrary, and with one case of its crossing, in 
captivity, with the Domestic Duck. 

Begarded as an article of food, the Grey Duck is in its prime during the autumn and commence- 
ment of winter; but the quality of the game differs according to the locality, those from the lakes 
and rivers of the interior having a richer flavour as a rule than birds living in the vicinity of the sea- 
shore, where the food is coarser. 

In many of our harbours and estuaries, when the tide has ebbed and the exposed sandy spits run 
far out into the rippling waters, flocks of Grey Duck may be seen resting there in long straggling 
lines, with here and there, in the very midst of them, a Sea-Gull displaying his snow-white head and 
breast, or a Black Shag spreading his wings, like funereal banners, to dry in the morning air. On these 
occasions a person on horseback, or even on foot, if not carrying a gun, may often come within easy 
range of them ; but it is notorious that, except in the more unfrequented parts of the country, the 
Grey Duck has learnt from cruel experience to detect the presence of fire-arms, and, unless under 
cover, a sportsman has no chance whatever of getting within shot-range. The same remark applies to 
other Ducks, but particularly to this species and to Casarca variegata. Any one carrying a long 
stick, or indeed anything having any resemblance to a gun, is similarly avoided by the wary Grey Duck. 

They seem generally to prefer cool and shady resorts, but I have also seen dozens of them 
floating on the bosom of the Waikato, under a strong noonday sun, as if enjoying the perfect calm. 
In the deep, quiet pools, or basking in the sunshine on the scattered rocks in the midst of a mountain- 
stream— its plump form exhibited to perfection— it is one of the commonest features of a New-Zealand 
river. 

Prom the box-seat of the passing coach I once witnessed, in the Manawatu gorge, a very unusual 
sight. A fine old Hawk {Circus gouldi) was apparently determined to dine off young duck, and was 
persistently chasing a small brood that were disporting themselves in the water below us. He made 
frequent dips upon them with his outstretched talons, but the little things were always on the alert, 
diviirg under the moment their pursuer approached. The old birds, evidently quite satisfied as 
to the safety of their brood, took iro heed of what was going on, and remained quite motioirless 
on their post of observation till we had passed out of sight. 


254 


111 the Bay of Plenty district there are Duck-preserves which are a source of great profit to the 
natives and are jealously guarded by them. From October to February no canoes are permitted on 
the principal lake, and no fires are allowed to be lighted in the \icinity. Various kinds of Duck breed 
here in great numbers. From feeding on the small green beetle and on the nahonaho, a stingless gnat 
which swarms in countless myriads over all the waters in the lake district, the birds become extremely 
fat ; and during the moul ting-season, which extends over part of February and March, they are incapable 
of flight owing to the loss of their quills. The strict “tapu” which is enforced during the close 
season is now removed with great ceremony, and all the population, men, women, and children, start 
together on a Duck-hunting expedition. The men with dogs in short leashes keep within the belt of 
manuka scrub along the margin of the lake ; the women and children proceed to the middle of the 
lake in canoes, then take to the water, and with great noise and splashing drive the frightened birds 
up into the bays or inlets, where they seek refuge in the scrub and sedges and are immediately 
pounced upon by the trained dogs which are still held in leash. The Duck-hunter snatches the bird 
away from the dog, kills it noiselessly by biting it in the head, and then throws it behind him to be 
collected by a party of women who follow on foot for that purpose. In the season of 1867, seven 
thousand, it is said, were caught in tliis manner, in three days, on one lake alone. These were 
not all Grey Duck, but included also the Black Teal (or Scaupj, the Shoveller, and the White- 
winged Duck. 

At the Bitter Lake (Kotokawa), in the Taupo district, they are caught in a similar manner. 
Those that escape the dogs are caught by snares set at night. The snares are placed along the 
margins of the lake and on the warm stones where the Ducks are accustomed to congregate after 
dark. 

Captain Mair says : — “ At Eotoiti, Kotoehu, and Rotoma, as well as on other lakes in the Bay 
of Plenty district, I have observed that the Ducks at one season leave the waters and travel into the 
surrounding woods. This happens about March and therefore not during the breeding months. 
Probably they retire for more security during the seasonal moult ; for although at other times these 
lakes fairly swarm with Ducks, at this period they are quite deserted. In the woods, however, the 
dogs turn them up in all directions. When on the lakes it is interesting to watch the Ducks feeding 
on the gnats and green beetles which float on the surface of the warm water, forming a thick scum. 
On this diet they are always in good condition. The beetles, I may mention, get shaken into the 
water from the overhanging scrub by the action of the winds, and the gnats appear to be killed by 
the sulphurous vapour that rises from the water, and are seen floating on the surface in countless 
millions.” 

From the gullet I have taken a quantity of the minute seed of TriglocJmi triandmin, a common 
aquatic plant. The various species of Lenina appear also to contribute to the sustenance of this bird. 

There is a large raupo-swamp at Matata — lying between the sea-coast and the hills — extending 
some fifteen or sixteen miles in all directions, crossed in some places by narrow ridges of dry land, 
and intersected by a perfect network of streams whose courses are indicated by long tortuous lines or 
fringes of weeping-willows. It was from the Maori pahs placed in well selected positions within 
these extensive marshes that Major Mair and his Arawa contingent had, in 1865, to dislodge the 
hostile tribes who were harbouring the murderers of Volkner and Fulloon. Accompanied by a force 
of 500 “ friendlies ” he pursued the enemy from point to point, and finally captured the whole of 
them (numbering in all 600) in the very gallant attack which he made on Te Teko. These singular 
fens are naturally a great rendezvous for Waterfowl of all kinds, and since the destruction of Eoto- 
mahana by the volcanic outbreak of Tarawera, it is undoubtedly the best shooting-ground in the 
colony. The Grey Duck, Scaup, Brown Teal, Shoveller, Bittern, and Pukeko are all equally 
abundant, and a sportsman in a canoe, with a Maori boy to do the paddling, may easily bag 50 brace 


255 


in the course of a single morning. Other birds, too, are to be met with in these dreary maishes. 
The Dabchick is plentiful in all the open spaces of water, and in one little lagoon I counted as many 
as ten in a flock. The Water-Eail [Ortygometra tahnensis) and its spotted congener {0. affinis) are 
frequently to be heard, although seldom seen ; and the melancholy cry of the Fern-bird is so general 
and persistent that its nickname of “ Swamp-Sparrow” is not undeserved. 

On the 5th October, standing on the Paikakariki road-cutting, waiting for Cobb’s coach to come 
up, and gazing with a delight that never tires on the magnificent panorama that there presents 
itself to view, — the far-reaching ocean, with the rock -bound island of Kapiti rearing its majestic outline 
a few miles distant, and away to the north the low-lying coast-line, intersected with streams, and 
forming a border to the long sweep of sandhills and sw'amps that lie between Euahine and the sea, — 

I cast my eyes for a moment below, and there, in a “ negro-head ” swamp, of which from the position 
I occupied I had a complete view, 1 witnessed a very pretty picture of wild bird-life. A Grey Duck 
had brought out her brood and was keeping watch on a clump of toetoe, just above the surface of 
the water, while the ducklings (of which I counted eleven or twelve) were gaining their first experience 
of “ life in the swamps.” It was interesting to observe how they pursued one another through the 
intricacies of that stagnant pool, all covered with duck-weed, broke up into parties of two and three, 
skimmed along the surface of the water, disappeared in the sedge and tangle, assembled again for a 
moment, then dispersed in opposite directions, every now and then rallying round the parent bird, as 
if to be assured that all was right. On the appearance of a Hawk overhead, or of an innocent sea-bird 
making a wider circuit than usual in its survey of the sandy beach beyond, an alarm-note from the 
old Duck operates like magic and not a sign is visible of the brood of young ones, all hidden away 
under the overhanging tufts of vegetation till the threatened danger has passed. Cautiously one of 
them reappears on the pool and is followed by others, as one by one they recover confidence, and in 
a few minutes all is excitement again, and they are frolicking about in the liveliest manner. 

This intuitive or instinctive sense of danger and the impulse to hide so generally manifested by 
the Waterfowl, especially in the earliest stage of their existence afterquitting the egg-shell, is indeed 
very remarkable. The downy young of many species of Limicolse and other Seafowl appear to find 
their best security in perfect stillness. On being surprised or alarmed they simply squat on the 
ground and remain perfectly motionless, without uttering a sound of any kind, instinctively trusting 
to escape detection from their likeness to surrounding objects. I have often passed and repassed 
within a foot of a young bird thus concealed without being able to find it ; and at length, on 
discovering it, 1 have been astonished at the passive manner in which it would allow itself to be 
handled without making any sign. 

This species sometimes breeds rather late in the season ; for I have a note in my journal that I 
saw a flock of very young ducklings in the ITorse-shoe lake (Whangaehu) on the 14th January, more 
than three months later than the instance recorded above. 

As an instance of how the Grey Duck may be tamed by protection, I may mention that, on 
October 26, I saw a pair with eleven young ones within a few yards of Travers Biidge, Avon, almost 
in the heart of Christchurch, and several other pairs in the vicinity. It has generally been found 
almost impossible to domesticate this bird owing to its tendency to revert to the wild state. But not 
very long ago, when riding between Woodville and the Manawatu Gorge, I saw, at a “ Cockatoo 
homestead,” a flock of domestic ducks on the roadside, and with them a perfectly tame Anas sujyer- 
ciliosa, apparently a bird of the first year. It was distinguishable at a glance from the rest by its 
manner of walking, carrying its head low or in a crouching attitude. Its smaller size and more 
slender form also betrayed it, before I came near enough to examine the plumage. 

It usually breeds among the sedge and tangle in low situations in the immediate vicinitj of its 
haunts. As a rule, the place selected is a dry and convenient situation on the ground alwajs well- 


256 


concealed from view, sometimes, too, at a considerable distance from the water. Occasionally, 
however, a more elevated site is fixed upon. On the famous Island of Motutaiko, in the Taupo Lake, 
there are some larg^e pohutukawa trees {Metrosideros tomenfosa). In the forked branches of these 
trees, some twenty or thirty feet above the surface of the water, the Grey Duck often builds her nest 
and hatches her young. The natives state that when the ducklings are ready to take to the water 
the old birds bring them down to the lake on their backs *. 

I have sometimes found its nest on the summit of a cliflf overlooking a river ; and in one instance 
placed in a bunch of Astelia, in the fork of a dead tree, at an elevation of 20 feet or more from the 
ground f . The nest is formed of dry grass, flags, or other soft materials placed loosely together in a 
circular form ; and the interior is lined with down, plucked from the bird’s own body. The eggs 
vary in number, there being sometimes as many as ten ; they are of a broadly oval form, measuring 
2'5 inches in length by 1‘6 in breadth, and are of a dull creamy-white colour. 

* Mr. Barker contributes the following “ A short account may interest you of a Grey Duct’s nest I discovered in a tree 
this spring, at Peel Forest ; I was walking through the bush to ascend the gorge of a small mountain-torrent that drains Mount 
Peel, when from a tree above my head flew a wild Grey Duck. On inspection the tree turned out to be an old broad-leaf, well 
covered with a mass of ferns, overhanging a hank which had evidently been in former times the south bank of the creek, now 
running some twenty feet away. On climbing a young tree close by I was surprised and pleased to see, in the hollow formed by the 
divergence of two large branches in the broad-leaf, a beautifully formed Grey Duck’s nest of fine down inside with a basis of 
small twigs, and containing nine eggs of a creamy-green colour. Tlie nest was made the more beautiful by the natural way the 
long pendent fronds of the ferns hung over and around it, completely hiding the mother from view when on the nest. On 
measuring the distance from the ground I found it to be thirteen feet nine inches. I was particularly anxious to find out how the 
mother uould contrive to get her young ones down, as unless she carried them I could not see how sho would manage it, for 
owing to the steepness of the tree they would not be able to clamber down, and even if shoved over the edge must tumble 
through small underwood on to hard stones. The bird’s way of getting to the nest was most ingenious : the nest was on the 
side of the tree away from the stream, and so obstructed with creepers that she could not get in on that side ; but on the other a 
branch grew at right angles to the tree over the bed of the stream : she flew on to this branch, walked along it, and where it 
joined the tree was a small hollow arch formed by the curving and meeting together again of two old stems ; through this small 
cavity she squeezed herself (so small is the orifice that if I had not seen it I could not have believed a Duck would think of 
working its way through), and on the other side about eight inches below her is the nest, into which by a steep slope she slides. 
The way from the nest along the hough was well worn by her constant traffic backward and forward. 

“ I visited the nest regularly for a week, when unfortunately bad weather set in, and it being in a rather inaccessible situation, 
owing to the torrents of water that come out of the narrow gorge after heavy rain, T was unable to got to it again for a fort- 
night, and when I did I was disgusted to find the young had all hatched out and gone, and the rain had quite spoilt the nest 
However, I made a close examination of the tree, and could find no signs whatever of disturbance along tho edges of the cavity 
in which the nest was built, or down the scmiporpendicular fern-covered trunk of the tree, such as one might expect had they 
endeavoured to descend on that side ; while through the arch I discovered some of the down of the nest clinging to the side of 
the hark, as if they had gone that way. I also looked well on the ground beneath, but could find no sign except under the arch 
connected with the bough at right angles to the tree ; here was a small piece of moss-covered bark, which was detached from the 
bottom edge of the arch and had evidently been dislodged by their journeyings. However, I was fully convinced that they had 
escaped out of the nest through the hole on to tho branch, the other way being quite impracticable. How the parent bird 
managed to get her young to the ground, I am unable to tell you ; but I incline to the belief that she carried them on her back, 
as some bushmen assured me they had actually witnessed this feat.” 

t Tlie following paragraph appeared in a Colonial newspaper : — “ A curious freak of a wild Duck has been noticed in the 
M airoa district, one of those birds having built its nest in a tree, and there brought forth its brood. As is well known, these 
birds nsuallj build low; but in the instance we refer to, in a rata tree, high up on a cliff overhanging the river, the bii’.l had 
formed its nest. The position of the nest, which is inaccessible, was first noticed by the bird’s efforts to entice its young into the 
water. The Duck was seen to fly out of tho tree down towards the river, uttering a peculiar cry, and shortly afterwards the 
ducklings, six in all, fell one after another over the nest on to the river-bank, from which they scrambled into the w'ater ” 



J .G.K EULE M ANS DEL’ SLITH 


J UDO «. C? LI M ITEO. IM P. 


BROWN DUCK. A U C K L A N D - I S L A N D DUCK. 

ANASCHLOROTIS, NESONETTA AUCKLANDICA. 


(THREE-FIFTHS' NATURAL SIZE .) 






Obdee ANSEEES.J 


[Fam. ANATIDiE. 


ANAS CHLOEOTIS. 

(BROWN DUCK.) 


Anas chlorotis, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, p. 15, pi. 20 (1844). 


Native names. — Tarawhatu, Patake, Tete, and Tete-whero. 


$ ad. supra saturate brunneus, dorsi plumis vix olivaceo lavatis et obsolete fulvo marginatis, tectricibus alarum 
cinerascenti-brunneis, pallidius marginatis, majoribus rufescenti-fulvo terminatis : remigibus saturate 
brunneis, scapis rufescentibus, minimis extbs sordicle viridibus rufescenti-fulvo terminatis, secundariis cxtiis 
anguste fulvo limbatis : scapularibus fulvo vermiculatis, extus nigricantibus : supracaudalibus brunneis, 
latius fulvo marginatis : cauda brunnea angustd fulvo lirabatd : pileo sordide rufescenti-brunneo, nigro vario ; 
regioue oculari albid^ : facie latcrali brunned, genis rufescentibus : regione supraparotica viridi versus 
occiput extcndente : guM fulvescente : pectore ferrugineo, maculis obsoletis nigris cordiformibus marmorato : 
abdomine medio crissoque pallidioribus, fulvescentioribus, obsolete nigro transnotatis : hypocbondriis brunneo 
et fulvescente transvermiculatis, plagb crissali utrinque nigrb, rufescente margiuatd et suprb viridi nitente : 
subcaudalibus nigris : subalaribus et axillaribus albis : rostro saturate brunneo, ungue pallidiore : pedibus 
pallide brunneis : iride saturate brunnea. 

$ capitis et colli lateribus fulvescentibus minute brunneo striolatis : pectore baud rufescente : hypocbondriis et 
scapularibus baud vermiculatis : subcaudalibus rufescentibus nigricante medialiter notatis. 

Adult male. Head and anterior portion of neck blackish brown, darker on the crown, and narrowly edged with 
rufous, mottled on the chin with fulvous ; eyelids greyish white ■, sides of the head posteriorly and the nape 
shining green in certain lights ; this dark plumage is bounded anteriorly by a narrow zone of rufous white 
which nearly encircles the neck ; below this zone and on the lower part of fore neek castaneous, changing 
into chestnut-brown on the breast and sides of the body, with numerous obscure rounded spots of black ; 
general upper surface dark fuscous, margined with pale brown, and slightly glossed with green ; on the 
lower sides of the neck posteriorly and on the smaller scapulars numerous freckles and vermiculations of pale 
rufous brown; the longer scapulars have a broad apical spot of velvety black on their outer webs, below 
which, and on the inner webs, they are A^ermiculated with pale ferruginous ; primaries dusky brown, highly 
glossed with green, and margined on their outer webs with a narrow line of pale rufous brown ; outer 
secondaries shining velvety green on their outer webs, with a broad apical margin of rufous white, dusky on 
their inner webs, their coverts dark brown, terminally edged with rufous, the closed wing presenting a dull 
speculum margined accordingly; the long inner secondaries dull shining green on their outer webs, broadly 
edged with pale fulvous ; inner lining of wings and axillary plumes pure white, with a wash of dark brown 
near the margin ; the long plumage covering the flanks castaneous brown, beautifully vermiculated with pale 
ferruginous ; abdomen pale brown, obscurely spotted with a darker shade ; below the vent and the under tail- 
coverts velvety black, tipped with brown ; on each side of the rump a conspicuous spot of white, with black 
vermiculations on its upper edge ; tail dark glossy brown, its upper coverts shining greenish brown, margined 
with rufous. Irides black ; bill bluish black, the pectination of the upper mandible yellowish brown ; feet 
dull slaty grey. Length 17 inches; wing, from flexure, 8; tail 4 ; bill, along the ridge !• 65, along the 
edge of lower mandible 1'75 ; tarsus 1'5 ; middle toe and claw 2'25. 

Adult female. Head and anterior portion of neck blackish brown; the crown darker, and edged with rufous; 
the sides of the head, throat, and fore neck thickly speckled and mottled with fulvous grey ; no gloss on the 
head, nor is there any marginal zone on the neck, the colours gradually blending ; lower part of neck behind 
VOL. II. 2 L 


258 


and all the upper surface dark fuscous, each feather broadly margined with pale yellowish brown ; lowei 
sides of neck and upper part of breast dark fulvous brown, and the abdomen fulvous white, the feathers of 
these parts being largely centred with brown, and presenting on the surface a soft mottled appearance , long 
plumage covering the flanks dark brown, broadly edged with fulvous; surface of wings and tail as in the 
male; under tail-coverts brownish black, sometimes edged with rufous. Bill greyish brown; legs and 
feet pale yellowish brown. 

Young male. Head and neck as in the adult female ; there is no gloss on the crown, nor white circlet on the 
fore neck ; the lower part and sides of neck are dull ferruginous brown, each feather with a central round 
spot of darker brown in its apical portion ; breast and abdomen rufous white mixed with fulvous and 
obscurely spotted with brown; scapulars, as well as the long plumage covering the flanks, dark brown 
margined with fulvous, and showing little or no vermiculation ; under tail-coverts pak rufous, blotched with 
dark brown; in place of the white rump-spots a few feathers freckled brown and white. 

Nestling. Covered with thick, soft down, blackish brown with lighter markings on the upper surface ; chin and 
underparts yellowish brown. 

Varieties. In some examples of the male, the colour of the lower part of neck and breast deepens to a dark 
chestnut, and the abdomen is mottled and banded with pale fulvous on a dark brown ground ; while m 
others the white circlet is wanting, and the vermiculation on the upper parts is scarcely apparent. 

An albino form, the whole of the plumage being of a dull cream-colour, with obsolete markings, was 
shot in the Horowhenua Lake in June 1878. 

In the Colonial Museum there is a partial albino, the head, hind neck, shoulders, and upper sur ace 

of wings being varied with irregular patches of white. 

In the hands of the local taxidermist, Mr. Liardet, I saw two more (also from the Wairarapa) wit 
partially white heads, and at Wanganui I examined a specimen in which the whole of the head and nec , 
and a portion of the back, were pure white. 

Ohs. The example flgured in my Plate is a particularly flne male bird obtained in the Canterbury district, the 
skin of which is now in my collection Crown dark castaneous with greenish reflexions ; the rest of the 
head, as well as the nape, metallic or bronzy green ; a mark of fulvous white, a quarter of an inch wide in the 
middle, separating the dark brown of the upper fore neck from the rich castaneous colouring below; the 
feathers of the lower hind neck and shoulders more or less vermiculated with chestnut-brown; scapulars 
very prettily marked, being dark brown with a broad lunate spot of velvety black on the outer web, bordered 
along the inner edge with a line of fulvous brown, beyond which the webs are conspicuously vermiculated 
with chestnut-brown. 

The female is somewhat smaller than the male. In some specimens the large wing-coverts overlapping 
the speculum are broadly margined at the tips with pale mfous. 

Note Mr Eeischck brought from the West Coast Sounds some examples of an apparently smaller form of this 
Duck A pair of these (now in my collection), marked male and female, were shot together at night, at the 
mouth of a creek in Supper Cove. The male (in the “ young - plumage described above) gives the following 
measurements :-Total length 16-5 inches ; wing, from flexure, 7-25 ; tail 275 ; bill, along the ridge 1-5, 
along the edge of lower mandible 1-75 ; tarsus 1-25 ; middle toe and claw 1-9. The female is smaller, the 
wing from flexure being only 7 inehes. 

Some confusion has hitherto existed regarding this species, owing to the difterences of plumage 
exhibited by the male, female, and young; hut I trust that the above exhaustive account will 
sufficiently clear up the difficulty. I have shot birds in the various states of plumage described above, 

and have determined the question of sex by careful dissection. 

This elegant little Duck is distributed all over the country, being met with in every inland lake, 
and often in the deep freshwater streams which run into them, where the overhanging vegetation 
affords ready shelter and concealment. Being a nocturnal feeder, it is not so commonly seen as the 


259 


Grey Duck and the “ Black Teal ” or Scaup. It always retires up the creeks in the woods diiring 
the day, or conceals itself among the sedges and vegetation which usually fringe the inland water- 
courses and lagoons. At Horowhenua, for example, where they are particularly abundant, you rarely 
surprise one, except by means of a dog, during the heat of the day. But after sunset they begin to 
collect on the surface of the lake, emerging in pairs from their concealment, swimming down to the 
mouth of the bush creek, and then taking wing to their place of rendezvous. They then form into 
flocks, sometimes of considerable size, and are on the alert, feeding about the lake generally all 
night long. When hunting for its food, it makes a peculiar and rather musical sniffing noise. 

For many miles along the low banks of the Manawatu and other tidal rivers in the North Island 
there are what the settlers term “ kahikatea swamps,” extending often considerable distances inland. 
Here the land, at all times wet and swampy, is liable to frequent inundations from the river freshets. 
The trees, which consist almost entirely of white pine, are laden with a prodigal growth of kiekie 
( Freycinetia banksii), which entwines itself around the trunks, throwing out, tier above tier, its waving 
bunches of flag-leaves till a single tree sometimes supports many tons of this epiphytic growth ; it also 
spreads along the damp ground, forming an almost impenetrable tangle, and shading from the sunlight 
the deep water-holes left by the subsiding river. Into this secure retreat, where the sportsman and 
his dog alike are baffled by the very exuberance of the vegetation, the Brown Duck loves to betake 
itself during the day, coming out in the cool hours of the evening to feed in the creeks and lagoons. 

This Duck often wanders to a distance from its usual haunts. It has been met with in a raupo 
swamp far up the Wangaehu valley, and Captain Mair has found it among the thick undergrowth in 

a kakikatea swamp, in the remote Urewera country. 

In the settlers’ bush-clearings at Eketahuna, in the Forty-mile Bush, I found them long 
after dark in the drains or w^atercourses along the sides of the road, diligently hunting for their food 
and uttering at intervals a soft and rather musical note. They were veiy tame, allowing, me to 
approach within a few feet of them. 

It is a very indiflerent flier, but swims well and dives with facility. When shooting on a lake 
near Tiakitahuna, in the tipper Manawatu, some years ago, I came upon a flock of sixty or more of 
these birds ; instead of taking wing when closely followed, they swam towards the shore, and then 
forming into a line they hurried forward in a very impetuous manner, keeping close under the banks 

of the lake, and uttering a low confused twitter. 

It nests in places contiguous to its ordinary haunts, always selecting a dry and secluded spot for 
that purpose. Like many other Ducks, it forms its nest of dry grass, and lines the interior with soft 
down plucked from its own body. The eggs, which vary in number from five to eight, are very oval, 
large for the size of the bird, measuring 2’3 inches in length by 1'7 in breadth, and of a dark cieara 
colour, with a slightly greasy surface. 

Some years ago I received, from Mr. Taylor W^hite, of Hawke s Bay, two skins of a Duck which \\ as 
alleged to be a cross between the wild Grey Duck and the domestic species. The bird is undoubtedly 
a hybrid, but I am rather inclined to think that the male parent belonged to the present species or to 
Anas giUerifrons and not to Anas superciliosa *. I presented both specimens to the Colonial Museum, 
but before doing so I made the following notes : — 


. General plumage slaty grey on the upper, and white on the underparts ; erown and nape steel-hlaek ; throat 
white mottled with grey. Colours very indeterminate, the j)lumage of the haek being mueh varied and 

* Mr. Taylor White has, however, given the following particulars of another case in which the parent was undoubtedly of 
the latter species. He writes : — “About nine years ago a Grey Duck (Anas sitperciliosa) was trapped in the Wakatipu Lake 
district, and readily became tamo, but was very shy with strangers. In the third spring it paired with a Domestic uo 
(A. boschtts). A brood of six hybrids was roared. 

“ 1. These mainly partook in type of the Domestic Duck, but were smaller and more plump in shape , colour creamy brown 


2l 2 


260 


vermiculated with dark browiij which colour asserts itself again on the lower fore neck ; speculum very con- 
spicuous, and bordered above with a white band edged with black. Bill and feet yellow. 

? . General plumage pale brown, with darker shaft-lines ; upper parts prettily banded and mottled, partaking 
more of the appearance of a wild bird than a domestic one ; vertex dark brown, with a slight gloss ; throat 
and fore neck prettily stippled with black, just as in A. gibherifrons ■, speculum distinct, velvety black in 
its outer portion, and bordered above and below with a well-defined band of white; tad-feathers dark brown, 
with whitish edges. Bill yellow, with the unguis dark brown, and a broad mark of the same colour across 
the middle. 

with darker markings, inclining to white on lower part of breast, throat, and cheek ; a dark line passing through the eye, as in 
A.superciliosa : beak brownish yeUow ; legs dull yeUow ; speculum blue, outer side black, margined with white, as in Domestic 
Duck. The drakes very similar to English Wild Duck, and having the curled tail-feathers; speculum blue. Could fly fairly 

well, but with reluctance. 

“ No. 2. One of these half-bred Ducks mated with a Grey Duck (A. mpercUiosa), and one Duck was reared, which in colour 
and size was almost identical with A. supercUiosa, but had the speculum green, margined with white, and a slight touch of 

white on some of the secondary feathers of wing. Could fly strongly. 

“ No. 3. This Duck, when mated with a drake of Anas supercUiosa, produced a brood in type and colour like the latter, some 
of which have reverted to a wild state. Eor several seasons the first brood have been all dark-coloured, and the second brood 
includes pure white, or albinoes, and white with markings or dark pencillings of rufous ; speculum green ; dark-coloured 
bill and legs ; curled tail-feathers wanting. 

“ No. 4. A drake, bred inter se, might be described as in foundation-colour like A. supercUiosa ; slightly tinged on the head 
with green ; light colour on cheeks ; dark mark through eyes ; breast rufous ; specvflum green ; tail and tail-coverts inclining 

to black, edged with brown ; two small curled feathers in tail. 

“ No. 5. This season (1885) there was a brood of six, reared by a hybrid Duck, which might be easily mistaken for a 
coloured call-duck, and which was mated to A. supercUiosa. The Ducks were slightly larger than the latter ; foundation-colour 
and markings similar, having a washed-out look ; sides of breast forward of thigh white-grey, same as lower part of breast of 
A. hoschas. Bill blackish green in some, with legs the same ; yellow in others, chequered with black, and legs yellowish black ; 
speculum green, the outer edge black, margined with a white band above and below. The drake was identical in general 
appearance to Anas hoschas ; green head, white ring on front of neck, one curled tail-feather only. Colour of speculum green, 
margined with white. Can fly, but are thoroughly domestic. As in the MaUard, the bright colouring changes with the seasons. 

“ The hybrids lay twice in the season, but few young are reared, owing to want of convenient mates ; and numbers are 
destroyed by dogs, cats, hawks, and rats. The latter are very destructive.” (Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. xviii. pp. 134, 135.) 


In my Introduction (pages xviii to xxxv) I have given an account of the various ancient forms of 
New-Zealand birds known to us by their fossil remains. To these must be added the extinct Duck, 
apparently allied to Ams cUorotis, of which a skeleton from the Earnscleugh Caves, in Otago, has 
been described *, under the name of Anas finschi, by Van Beneden, who supposes that this bird 
disappeared from the land at the same time as Binornis. This writer says “ In comparing these 
bones with the two species known in Europe, we have been quite struck with their resemblance to 
the fossil species which inhabited in great numbers the shores of the lakes, the bottoms of which at 
the present day constitute a considerable portion of the department of Allier, and to which M. 

Alphonse Milne-Edwards has given the name of Anas Uancliardi The principal^ difference 

between them and Anas finschi is that the head is not so long as in the New-Zealand species ; and if 
there is but a slight difference in the size of the head, there is, on the other hand, a remarkable 
difference in the size of the bones of the limbs. The wings, as well as the feet, are stronger in the 
New-Zealand species ; the clavicle is wider ; but it is with difficulty one discerns differences between 
the sternums and plastron. That which is especially surprising in comparing these bones of a New- 
Zealand form with the European species is that one finds so faithfully reproduced all the characters 

peculiar to the birds of this family.” 

* Annales de la Soc. Gdol. de Belg. vol. ii. p. 123. 


Oebee ANSEKES.] 


FFam. ANATID^. 


ANAS GIBBEEIFRONS. 

(WOOD-TEAL.) 


Anas {Mareca) gibherifrons, Muller, Nat. Gesch. Land- en Volkenk, p. 159 (1841). 
Querquedula gibherifrons, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 650 (1856), 

Anas gibherifrons, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, Anseres, p. 58 (1866). 

Anas gibbifrons, Eyton, Synopsis Anat. p. 94 (1869). 

Anas gracilis, Buller, Ibis, 1869, p, 41. 

Nettion gibherifrons, Gray, Hand-1, of B, iii. p. 33 (1871). 

Virago castanea, Newton, P. Z. S. 1871, p. 651. 

Avias castanea, Hutton, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. xii. p. 272 (1880, nec Gould). 

Native names. — Tete, Tete-moroiti, and Pohoriki. 


Ad. suprti bruuneus, dorsi plumis fulvescente marginatis ; pileo saturatius bruniieo fulvescente longitudinaliter 
notato, quasi striolato, occipite vix viridi nitente : facie laterali fulvescenti-albidS,, minute brunneo striolata : 
tectricibus alarum saturate cinerascenti-brunneis uuicoloribus, majoribus ad apicem latissime albis, fasciam 
conspicuam alarem exhibentibus : remigibus saturate brunneis, sccundariis extus Isete velutinis, auguste albo 
terminatis, pennis duabus mediis extus uitenti-viridibus, sccundariis dorsalibus intus bruuneis dorso con- 
coloribus : caud4 brunne^, rectricibus obsolete fulvescente marginatis ; gutture toto fulvescenti-albido, 
unicolore : corpore reliquo subtiis brunnescenti-fulvo, plumis medialiter saturate brunneis, quasi marmoratis, 
hypochondriis magis distincte, pectore medio et abdomine obsoletius notatis : rostro pallide brunneo, versus 
apicem mandibulse flavicanti-albo : pedibus pallide brunneis : iride saturate brunne^. 

Adult male. Upper surface dusky brown, with greenish reflexions ; the feathers of the back and the scapulars 
narrowly margined with fulvous white ; crown and nape blackish brown, minutely marked with fulvous 
white; throat, fore neck, and sides of the head fulvous white, the latter marked with sagittate spots of 
brown ; underparts light fulvous brown with obscure spots of a darker shade, especially on the breast and 
sides of the body, each feather having a broad central mark of blackish brown ; throat and abdomen more 
or less tinged with cinnamon ; primaries and tail-feathers dark brown ; the outer portion of the upper wing- 
coverts pure white, forming a conspicuous bar across the wing; the secondaries velvety black, narrowly 
tipped with fulvous, and a speculum of shining green occupying the outer webs of the three middle ones. 
Irides dark brown ; bill pale brown, yellowish white towards the base of lower mandible ; feet pale brown. 
Length 17 inches; extent of wings 25-5; wing, from flexure, 8; tail 4; bill, along the ridge I'S, along 
the edge of lower mandible 1'75 ; tarsus 1'25 ; middle toe and claw 1'25. 

Female. Somewhat smaller than the male, and with the tints of the plumage paler. In other respects the sexes 
are precisely alike. Length 15-5 inches; extent of wings 23-5 ; wing, from flexure, 7-5 ; tail 3'5. 

Albinism. My collection contains a specimen (obtained from the Wairarapa in June 1879) adorned with a lovely 
white head; there is an irregular patch of brown on the vertex between the eyes, and the chin and throat 
are likewise brown ; but around the upper part of the neck there is a patchy white collar, and the upper 
wings arc almost wholly white, as are also the edges of the wings and some of the primaries and secondaries. 

Obs. I have examined speeimens from Celebes, and although I am not prepared at present to separate our 
bird, it seems to me that the former are appreciably smaller in size and darker in plumage. 


262 


I OBTAINED my first specimens of this somewhat rare Duck (in 1866) on the Oroua stream, near its 
junction with the Manawatu, in the Province of Wellington. I observed that on being disturbed from 
the marsh where they were apparently feeding they rose high in the air, and came down suddenly into 
the creek with a rapid, oblique, and rather awkward flight. On the water they kept near to each 
other, and I killed both at one shot. They proved, on dissection, to be male and female ; I found the 
skin very tender, and the flesh extremely delicate, with fat of a bright yellow colour. 

I afterwards saw a pair on the wing, passing over one of the freshwater lagoons of the Upper 
Manawatu, the white alar bar being very conspicuous ; and, subsequently, I obtained a fine specimen 
in the flesh from Napier. It is comparatively plentiful in some of the sulphur-springs at Ohinemutu, 
and was so formerly at Eotomahana, where, as Captain Mair informs me, he once killed as many as 
eleven at a single shot on the water. It sometimes swims in pairs, but usually associates in small 
flocks of a dozen or more. It is easily distinguished from all the other species by the conspicuous 
white bar on the wings. Its form is remarkably slender and gi aceful, the contour of the body being 
almost as elongate as that of a Gannet. The stomach of one I dissected contained numerous particles 
of gravel and comminuted vegetable matter. 

Although of rare occurrence in most parts of New Zealand, the species has a wide geographical 
distribution, examples having been recorded from Timor, Flores, Celebes, Northern Australia, South 
Australia, and New Caledonia. It bears a close resemblance to Anas punctata of Australia ; but it 
is appreciably smaller, and the male does not exhibit the bright summer plumage of that species. 
Mr. Gould, in his account of Anas punctata, observes : — “ There appear to be two very distinct races 
of this bii’d, one of which is much larger than the other ; so great, in fact, is the dilference in this 
respect in specimens from various parts of the country, that the idea presents itself of their being 
really distinct species. The smaller race inhabits Tasmania, the larger the western and southern 
portions of Australia.” These remarks, no doubt, refer to the present species, inasmuch as I was 
able to identify a specimen received by the late Sir J. von Haast from Australia with the true 
A. gihierifrons. This circumstance was noticed by me in a communication to the ‘ Ibis (1869, 
p. 42, note) ; and I have since had an opportunity of further verifying the fact by the examination 
of several specimens in the Sydney Museum. 

An excellent plate of this Duck appeared in the ‘Proceedings of the Zoological Society’ (1882, 
pp. 453, 454, pi. xxxiii.), in illustration of a paper by Dr. Sclater, in which he reported that a pair 
of live ones from Australia, in the Society’s Gardens at Pegent’s Park (previously supposed to be 
A. castanea), had nested in what is termed the “ Waders’ Pond,” towards the end of March, and had 
brought out four nice young birds *. In this figure, however, the bill and feet are represented as 
being black instead of yellowish brown. 

* Dr. Sclater continues : — “ There is no longer any doubt that -(re have here to deal with a species which, however much it 
may resemble the female of Anas castanea, is quite distinct, and of which the sexes, as may be proved by the examination of our 
breeding birds, are very nearly alike, the female being merely slightly smaller in size and duller in plumage. It is, in fact, the 
species described in the ‘ Ibis’ for 1869, by Dr. Brdler, from H’ow-Zealaud specimens, as Anas gracilis, but subsequently identified 
by Dr. Finsch (‘ Ibis,’ I8G9, p. 380) with Anas gihierifrons, S. Muller. As regards the synonyms of this species, after the 
positive statement of Dr. Finsch and Prof. Schlegel, I think we can hardly accept Prof. Hutton’s unsupported opinion that ‘ Anas 

gracilis is distinct from A. gihierifrons ’ Having been in error myself as to my first identification of these Ducks, I fear 

I have also led Prof. Newton into an error upon the same subject. In January 1871 I furnished Prof. Newton with what I 
believed to be specimens (in the flesh) of a male and female Aims castanea that had recently died in the Society’s Gardens. Prof. 
Newton, trusting to Mr. Baker’s determination that the ‘presumed female was really of that sox, read a paper upon these birds 
before this Society in November of that year, in which he pointed out that the presumed female possessed the extraordinary 
pcculiaritv of having a lulla ossea, hitherto only known to occur in the male sox of the Anatidie, and proposed in consequence 
the new generic term Virago for Anas castanea. But Prof. Newton having been kind enough to send me up the skins of this 
presumed pair of birds for examination, I think I may say that there is little doubt that Mr. Baker must have made an error in 
his determination of the sex of tho supposed female, and that that bird is in all probability a male of Anas gihierifrons.” 

I happened to be jircsent at the meeting of November 1871, and ventured to express a strong opinion at the time that the 
specimen exhibited as $ Anas castanea was in reality d A. gihierifrons, a view which has proved to be correct. 


Ordee ANSEEES.] 


[Fam. ANATID^. 


NESONETTA AUCELANDICA. 

(AUCKLAND-ISLAND DUCK.) 


'Nesonetta aucMandica, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, p. 16 (1844). 

Ad. brunneus, vix viridi nitens, plumis tergi nonnullis nigro irroratis : alis concoloribus brunneis, secundariis 
clariore viridi nitentibus : pileo saturatiore brunueo : facie laterali tot4 et gutture toto brunneis saturatiore 
brunneo maculatis : corpore reliquo subtus rufescenti-brunneo, indistincte saturatiore brunneo maculato, 
pectoris lateribus nigro irroratis : subcaudalibus brunneis nigro terminatis : rostro nigricanti-brunneo : 
pedibus rubescenti-brunneis : iride saturate brunned. 

Adult male. Head and neck warm umber-brown, slightly glossed with green on the vertex and nape, largely 
mottled with white on the chin, and less so on the fore neck ; entire upper surface dark umber-brown, the 
feathers composing the mantle margined with chestnut-brown, and the whole of the plumage glossed in 
certain lights with metallic green, which is brighter on the upper wing-coverts ; upper part of breast, sides 
of the body, flanks, and under tail-coverts dark chestnut-broAvn ; quills and tail-feathers blackish brown, 
with a ruddy glow on the former ; there is no speculum, but the secondaries are darker on their outer webs 
and are terminally margined outwardly with fulvous white ; lower part of breast and the abdomen fulvous 
white, varied more or less with brown, especially towards the vent. Irides dark hazel ; bill blackish brown ; 
legs and feet reddish brown. Total length 15 inches; wing, from flexure, 5‘2; tail 2‘5 ; bill, along the 
ridge 1'5, along the edge of lower mandible 1'75 ; tarsus 1'2 ; middle toe and claw 2. 

Obs. The type of this species in the British Museum (which was brought home by the Antarctic Expedition) is 
slightly larger, and difPers somewhat in^its coloration, the plumage of the shoulders and the sides of the 
body being more or less vermiculated. 


The above description and the accompanying figure are taken from the only specimen of this bird in 
my collection (an adult male), which was brought from the Auckland Islands by Mr. Burton, of the 
Colonial Museum, in May 1880. 

I have never met with this species in New Zealand proper, but there is a specimen in the British 
Museum, presented by Sir George Grey when Governor of the Colony, without, however, any infor- 
mation as to locality. 

Nothing is at present known of its habits, except that, owing to the abbreviated form of its wings, 
it is quite incapable of flight. 


Oedek ANSEEES.] 


[Eam. ANATIDAE. 


CASAECA VAEIEGATA. 

(NEW-ZEALAND SHELDRAKE.) 


Variegated Goose, Lath. Gen. Hist. hi. pt. 2, p. 441 (1785). 

Anas variegata, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 505 (1788, ex Lath.). 

CasarJca castanea, Eyton, Monogr. Anat. p. 108, pi. 10 (1838). 

Casarca variegata, Gray, in DiefF. Trav. ii., App. p. 198 (1843). 

Anas cheneros, Forst. Descr. Anim. p. 92 (1844). 

Anser variegata, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7471. 

Native names. 

Putangitangi ; Putakitaki in the South Island ; “ Paradise Duck ” of the colonists. 


cf pileo nndique et cervice virescenti-nigerrimis : collo undique nigricante, ochraceo vermiculatim vario : dorso 
saturate cinerascenti-fusco, plumis omnibus albido transvermiculatis, plumis castaneis absentibus : dorso 
postico nigricante obscure albido transvermiculato : uropygio et supracaudalibus purpurascenti-nigris : 
remigibus nigris, minoribus extiis pulcberrime viridibus, secundariis extfis Isete castaneis, inths cinereis, 
versus apicem albo vermiculatis : caudii nigrfi, : corpore subtus reliquo cinerascenti-fusco, albido trans- 
versim vermiculato : abdomine medio castaneo obscure nigro transfasciato : subalaribus albis, imis cinera- 
scentibus, marginalibus paullo nigricante vermiculatis : rostro plumbescenti-nigro : pedibus et hide nigris. 

$ mari dissimilis : supr^i fuscus, plumis fulvescente vel albido transversim vermiculatis, quibusdam castaneis ant 
eodem modo vermiculatis vel omninb unicoloribus : dorso postico nigricante obscure albido transvermiculato : 
dorso postico et uropygio, alis et cauda ut in mari coloratis : pileo undique et cervice pure albis : corpore 
subtbs castaneo, plumis quibusdam nigricantibus fulvescente ant albido transvermiculatis : abdomine medio 
saturate castaneo, nigro transfasciato : subcaudalibus Isetius castaneis : subalaribus nt in mari coloratis. 

Adult male. Head and greater portion of neck black, with bluisli-green reflexions j neck below and fore part 
of breast rich dark brown, minutely spotted or freckled with pale rufous j back and scapulars, as well as the 
lower part of the breast, sides of the body and flanks black, mottled and marked with wavy lines or vermi- 
culations of white j on the sides and flanks the vermiculation is very distinct, and adds much to the beauty 
of the plumage ; the rest of the underparts dark rufous spotted and barred with black ; under tail-coverts 
bright ferruginous with darker stains ; the whole of the wing-coverts pure white ; the primaries glossy black, 
lighter on their under surface ; the lesser quills shining green on their exposed webs, dusky and margined 
with white on their inner, forming a large, bright speculum ; the four inner secondaries have their outer 
webs rufous, becoming paler towards the tips, and their inner webs dark cinereous, freckled more or less 
with white. The contrast of colours described above gives the upper surface of the wings a very beautiful 
appearance when partially spread ; the under surface or lining of the wings is pure white. Irides and bill 
black ; legs greyish black. Total length 24 inches ; extent of wings 47 j wing, from flexure, 14‘5 ; tail 6 ; 
bill, along the ridge 1'75, along the edge of lower mandible 2 ; tarsus 2’75 ; middle toe and claw 2'75 j. 
hind toe and claw ‘6. 

Obs. In some examples (probably immature birds) the middle tail-feathers are terminally margined with pale 
brown, and the lateral ones vermiculated at the tips with white. 

Aduli female. Head and greater portion of neck pure white ; lower part of neck, breast, and sides of the body 



J-C.KeULEMANS DEL’ & LITH 


Judd &c? limited.imp 


SHELDRAKE OR PARADISE DUCK . (male and female'^ 
CASARCA VARIEGATA. 

(one-half natural size) 





\ 



J 


^ *5 



265 


bright ferruginous, with freckled margins, and varied more or less with brown , on the ^ 

plumage overlapping the thighs numerous freckled vermiculations of brown and white ; s o ’ 
mantle dark brown mixed with rufous, beautifully vermiculated with fulvous white and largely vane ^ 
ferruginous ; middle portion of back minutely freckled with white ; surface of wings precisely as in e 
male; rump and upper surface of tail glossy black; abdomen ferruginous largely mixed with dark brown, 
presenting a banded and mottled appearance; under tail-coverts paler ferruginous, freckled with biacK 
at the tips. 

Young. In the young state the sexes are alike, the plumage resembling more nearly that of the adult male. 
Head and upper portion of neck sooty black, varied with light brown ; lower portion of neck dark brown 
with narrow transverse lines of rufous ; the whole of the under surface blackish brown, mottled and barred 
with rufous, each feather narrowly margined with white ; shoulders, back, and lower sides of the body blac t, 
with white freckles and vermiculations ; wings as in the adult ; rump and tail black ; under tail-coverts 

pale ferruginous. 

Trogress towards maturity. Examples exhibit much individual variety in their progress towards maturity ; tins 
is especially the case with the female, the first indication of change being the appearance of irregular white 
feathers on the head and neck, which rapidly increase in number till the plumage of those parts becomes 
entirely white; and in a more advanced state the underparts are varied with scattered feathers of rufous m 
such a manner as to impart a very lively effect. Some specimens of the immature male are marked with 

rufous on the forehead and lores. 

Nestling. Covered with soft down, for the most part pure white, but largely varied on the upper surface with 
brown; the cheeks, throat, fore neck, and all the under surface entirely white; the top and upper sides o 
the head, in a line with the eyes, the hind neck and shoulders, a broad mark down the back spreading on 
the tail, the anterior portion and tips of wings, and a broad patch on each flank, continued in a me over e 
thighs, dull umber-brown; bill and feet pale brown. 

Obs Younger males differ from the perfectly matured ones in having a tinge of brown about the head, and 
the feathers of the shoulders more or less margined with dull fulvous brown, presenting on the surface 

wavy lines. 


Of the eight species of this tribe inhabiting New Zealand the “ Paradise Duck ’ of the colonists is 
undoubtedly the finest. It is spread all over the South Island, being extremely abundant in some 
localities: but in the North Island, although abundant in the Wairarapa and in the Ruataniwha 
plains, its range does not extend beyond lat. 39° S., or, in other words, it ceases to be met with aftei 
passing the Petane district, on the east coast*. It is difficult to understand why it should be thus 
confined, but it is nevertheless a well-established fact. A flock of five, many years ago, visited the 
Kaipara district, north of Auckland. Another flock of five visited Rotomahana Lake in March 1866, 
and a pair was seen on Lake Taupo in October 1873. These are the only instances that have come 
within my knowledge of the occurrence of this species beyond its ordinary range. At certain 
seasons of the year it associates in large flocks, which migrate from one part of the country to another, 
resorting at one time to the river-mouths and salt-marshes near the sea-coast, and at another retiring 
to the grassy plains and lagoons of the interior. In winter a partial separation of the sexes appears 
to take place, it being a common thing to see a flock of ten or more drakes to one duck, and vwe 
versa. At other times they wander about in pairs ; and whether reposing on the water or feeding 

* On the west coast it is very scarce. A few are always to he seen on the river-flats neai the mouth of the Ohai , ’ 

has "been shot on the Wanganui race-course ; but its comparative rarity may be inferred from the following paragrap , w iic 
appeared, not long ago, in the ‘ llangitikei Advocate ’ : — “ The well-known chief Utiku has a pair of rare cuiiosities at 
Houhou pah, in the shape of a brace of tame Paradise Ducks. The creatures arc as docile as domestic poultr3 . 

2 M 

VOL. II. 


266 


on the shore, their strongly contrasted colours cannot fail to arrest and please the eye * ; such a scene, 
in fact, as that represented in our Plate must be familiar to any one who has travelled at all in the 

country. 

In districts where it has been much molested it becomes exceedingly shy ; and it is then 
impossible to shoot it except by stratagem. One bird appears to keep watch while its mate is 
feeding ; and on the slightest alarm it sounds its note of warning, to which the other responds ; and 
both then observe the strictest vigilance, taking wing on the first approach of danger. The call-notes 
of the two sexes differ remarkably : the drake, with his head bent downwards, utters a prolonged 
guttural note, Uh-o-o-o, tuho-o-o-, and the duck, elevating her head, responds to her mate with a 
shrill call, like the high note of a clarionet. 

Its habits resemble, in many respects, those of the Common Sheldrake of Europe {Casarca 
rutila) : and, like that species, it subsists to a great extent on tender grasses and other succulent 
herbage. Its wings are armed at the flexure with a hard round knob, denuded of feathers, the use 
of which, in the economy of the bird, I have not yet been able to discover. During the moulting- 
season it is unable to fly, and, being a very indifferent diver, it is readily captured. Even when thus 
taken in an adult state it is easily domesticated, and it has been successfully introduced into England. 
It is to he seen, in all its beauty, on the artificial lake at Kew Gardens and on the ornamental waters 
of several private estates in various parts of the country ; and it breeds in the Zoological Society s 
Gardens in Kegent’s Park. I have kept them in New Zealand, and found them easy to domesticate 
and very tractable. They require, however, constant access to a stream or pond of water ; for if 
denied this privilege they become subject to attacks of cramp, which in the end prove fatal. On 
these occasions the bird entirely loses the use of its legs, and, lying flat on its breast, flaps the ground 
violently with its wings in apparent agony. When stationed years ago at Wanganui, as Eesident 
Magistrate, I kept in my garden several pairs which had become perfectly tame. I ultimately 
presented them to Sir George Grey, and they were then removed to the island of Kawau, where, in 
the enjoyment of a larger amount of freedom, they soon commenced to breed. 

On one occasion, when I was staying at Omahu, in the Hawke’s Bay district, the natives brought 
in a Paradise Duck, apparently in perfect health, but having only one wing, the other having been 
shot away at the junction at some former period, and the wound having then healed over. 

The ingenuity with which the old birds decoy intruders away from the nest or young is very 
remarkable ; and I have myself been so completely deceived by a Paradise Duck feigning a disabled 
wing, that I have followed it for a hundred yards or more, endeavouring to overtake it, before dis- 
covering the ruse it had so successfully practised. Mr. Travers refers to this subject, in a communi- 
cation to the Wellington Philosophical Society f, in the following terms : — 

“ The Paradise Duck breeds from October to January, and not unfrequently rears two broods 
during the season. I have, in fact, more than once seen two broods of different ages running with 
the same pair of parent birds. The single broods vary in number, the largest I ever saw being ten. 
Both parents are anxious and watchful about their young, resorting to the ruse of pretendmg 
lameness and inability to rise from the ground, in order to draw off any animal which they think 

* Writing of this species, Darwin says, in his ‘ Descent of Man ’ (footnote p. 479) : “ The New-Zealand Sheldrake offers 

a quite anomalous case ; the head of the female is pure white, and her back is redder than that of the male ; the head of the male 
is of a rich dark hazel colour, and his hack is clothed with finely pencilled slate-coloured feathers, so that altogether he may he 
considered as the more beautiful of the two. He is larger and more pugnacious than the female, and does not sit on the eggs. 
So that in aU these respects this species comes under our first class of cases; but Mr. Solater (Proo. Z. S. 1866, p. 150) was much 
surprised to observe that the young of both sexes, when about three months old, resembled in their dark heads and necks the 
adult males, instead of the adult females, so that it would appear in this case that the females have been modified, while the males 
and the young have retained a former state of plumage.” 
t Trans. N.-Z. Inst. 1871, vol. iv. p. 207. 


267 


likely to be mischievous. It is excessively amusing to see an old Duck waddling away as if with the 
greatest ditficulty, her wings drooping and flapped occasionally, in order to assist her apparently 
struggling etforts to escape, whilst all the time she manages to keep in advance of even a fleet dog, 
until at last, having drawn him to what she deems a safe distance from her nest, she at once rises 
from the ground, screaming out her harsh danger-signal, to the complete discomfiture of the panting 
dog. Upon the danger-signal being uttered by the parent birds, the young ones usually make at 
once for the nearest flowing water, down which they float close to the bank, seeking cover, and 
availing themselves, with great sagacity, of every opportunity of shelter or concealment, in which they 
are assisted by their similarity in general colour to the soil and vegetation.” 

All of our Plovers resort to similar expedients for the protection of their young, but some 
species appear to develop a greater degree of intelligence than others. For example, the Oystei- 
catcher, when in danger of molestation, has been known to bury its downy young in the soft sand, 
thus ensuring absolute concealment. Captain Mair assures me that he has witnessed this himself in 
the Bay of Plenty, and that, keeping his eye on the spot, be has actually scooped the young birds out 
with his hands. 

Mr. Proctor Smith relates the following incident within his own experience at Otago : — “ I have 
seen a drake of this species gallantly beat off a large Hawk from the duck I had wounded. On my 
reaching the scene of combat, the cunning drake feigned to be wounded, and limped away beyond 
gunshot, while the duck escaped by concealing herself in a large marsh close by.” 

In selecting a breeding-place it displays some fastidiousness : generally speaking, the nest, rudely 
formed of dry grass, and deeply lined with feathers and down, is placed among the reeds and tussocks 
near the water’s edge ; sometimes, however, it is situated on rising ground at a distance from its 
ordinary haunts ; and in one instance, in the Upper Manawatu, I found a pair breeding in a small 
cavern in the face of a sandstone cliff overhanging the river *. The eggs vary in number from five to 
nine ; and occasionally there are more, Mr. J. D. Enys having met with a nest containing eleven ; 
and subsequently, in the Upper Waimakariri with a brood of thirteen young birds. The largest 
brood I have met with myself numbered eight. The eggs are of a regular ovoid form, measuring 2‘6 
inches in length by 1‘9 in breadth, perfectly smooth on the surface, and of a yellowish cream-colour. 
Others in my son’s collection are somewhat smaller, measuring 2'4 inches in length by 1'7 in breadth, 
and are of an almost invisible greenish- white tint. 

In May 1866 Dr. Sclater reported to the Zoological Society that a pair of these birds had bred 
for the first time in the spring of the previous year in one of the small ponds in the Gardens. Five 
eggs were laid in one of the breeding-boxes about the second week in April and five young birds were 
hatched on the 15th May. One of the five died in the first downy plumage ; and when about three 
months old the other four moulted into the first feather-dress, in which stage they were all alike, 
having the head and neck black. In the autumnal moult three of them threw off the black hood and 
assumed the characteristic white head of the female. 

* A correspondent (Mr. W. E. Barker) adds the following particulars “ Two men inform me they have seen young 
Paradise Ducks carried by their mother ; one man saw the Duck fly down on a small lagoon, and as soon as she touched the 
water the young Ducks were swimming around her. In the other case two men were watching a Paradise Duck which was 
flying swiftly but pretty close to the surface of the water ; she settled quietly, and to their astonishment immediately there 
appeared around her several young ones. In both instances it happened in open water, and none of the observers could see 
where the young Ducks had come from, except that the moment the parent touched the water the young appeared around her. 

I have hoard of numerous instances of Paradise Ducks building their nests in trees. One was rather a peculiar case : the bird 
building its nest 25 feet up a black-pine tree, close alongside the road going from Mt. Peel to Mr. Acland’s station. 


2 M 2 


Oedeb ANSEEES.] 


DENDEOCYGNA EYTONL 

(WHISTLING DUCK.) 


[Eam. ANATIDHi'. 


Leptotarsis eytoni, Gould in Eyton’s Monogr. Anat. p. Ill (1838). 
Dendrocygna eytoni. Gray, Cat. Anseres Brit. Mus. ]p. 132 (1844). 


Ad. suprk cinerascenti-brunneus, dorsi plumis paucis griseo lavatis, dorso postico vix pallidiore : supracaudalibus 
pallide ochrascentibus saturate brunneo late terminatis : tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus ; remigibus 
brunneis, secundariis cinerascente lavatis : cauda saturate brunnea, versus apicem pallidiore : pileo summo 
et collo postico sordide ochrascentibus : facie laterali pallidiore, fulvescentiore : gutture albo ; jugulo et 
pectore superiore ochrascentibus vix rufescente lavatis : pectore laterali elarius rufescente nigro trans- 
fasciato : plumis hypochondriacis elongatis, lanceolatis, flavieanti-albis, utrinque nigro anguste limbatis . 
abdomine medio et subeaudalibus albicautibus his purioribus : subalaribus pallide rufescentibus brunneo 
transnotatis : rostro pallide brunneo, nigro marmorato : pedibus pallide brunneis : iride saturate brunnea. 

Adult. Head, neck, and fore part of breast yellowish brown, tinged with ochre-yellow on the crown and nape, 
and fading to greyish white on the throat ; the whole of the back, rump, and upper surface of wings dark 
cinereous brown; the inferior scapulars and some of the interscapulars margined with greyish white; upper 
tail-coverts yellowish white, broadly tipped with blackish brown ; upper sides of the body and lower part of the 
breast chestnut-brown, with numerous regular transverse bars of black, broad and conspicuous on the sides, 
but beeomiiig narrower on the breast ; the long acuminate feathers covering the flanks yellowish white, 
broadly and distinctly margined with black; abdomen and under tail-coverts pure white; quills and tail- 
feathers coppery brown. Irides dark brown; bill yellowish brown, largely blotched with black, the nail 
darker brown ; legs and feet pale flesh-brown. Length 16 inches ; wing, from flexure, 9 5 , tail 3 , bill, 
along the ridge 1-75, along the edge of lower mandible 1-75 ; tarsus 3; middle toe and claw 3-4; hind toe 
and claw ‘75. 

There are two recorded instances of the recent occurrence of this species in New Zealand : the one 
at the Thames *, and the other at Kaitangata, in the provincial district of Otago f . It is therefore 
entitled to be admitted into our list of birds as a straggler from the Australian continent, on the 
north-west coast of which it is said to be extremely plentiful. 

Captain Stokes has furnished the following account of its habits : “ When on the wing it makes 

a peculiar whistling sound that can be heard at a great distance, and which changes as it alights into 
a sort of chatter. It perches on trees in a very clumsy manner, swinging and pitching to and fro. 
On the north-west coast it is one of the commonest birds of the country. ^ We subsequently often 
found it on the rivers of the north coast, but not within some miles of their mouths, or near their 
upper waters, from which it would appear that it inhabits certain marshes of the river, only we never 
found it in the swamps. The furthest south it was afterwards met with was on the Albert Biver, in 
tile Gulf of Carpentaria, in lat. 18° S., which gives it a range of six and a half degrees of latitude 
over the northern part of the continent. Its nest never came under our notice, consequently we are 
not acquainted either with the size or colour of the eggs, neither did we see any young birds during 
the period of our observations, ranging from July to November.’ 

Mr. White, of Adelaide, informed Mr. Gould that he once found the nest of this species in a 
hollow log, and, that according to the natives, the usual number of eggs is from eight to ten. 

*■ Cat. Birds of N. Z. 1871, p. 77. t Trans. K.-Z. Inst. 1871, vol. iv. p. 213. 



J.G.K EULE. MANS- CELT & LITH 


JUDD&C? LIMITED. IMP 


SHOVELLER OR SPOONBILL DUCK . (male and female.) 
RHYNCASPIS VARIEGATA. 

(one-half natural size.) 







Oeder AJfSEKES.] 


EHYNCHASPIS VAEIEGATA. 

(NEW-ZEALAND SHOVELLER.) 


[Eam. ANATID^. 


Spatula rhyncJiotis, Gray, in DiefF. Trav. ii. App. p. 198 (1843). 

Spatula vaiiegata, Gould, P.Z. S. 1856, p. 95. 

Anas rhynchotis, Ellman, Zool. 1861, p. 7471. 

Hhynchaspis variegata, Finsch, J. f. O. 1870, p. 358. 

Spatula variegata, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 252 (1873). 


Native names. 

Tete, Pateke, Putaitai, Kuruwhengi, Kuriiwhengu, Papaunguungu, Kahoho, and Wetawetangu; 
“ Spoon-bill Duck ” of the colonists. 


$ suprk saturate brunneus, teneo nitens, pilei dorsique postici plumis obscure fulvescente marginatis ; Ions et 
mento nigricanti-brunueis : lineS, faciali latd ab oculo anteriore ducta et iufra gulam conjuncta : facie reli- 
qua laterali et nucha sordide cinereis virescente adumbratis; collo postico sordid^ cinereo : interscapulu 
plumis brunneis, late fulvescente marginatis : scapularibus albis, fulvescente lavatis, quibusdam omnino 
brunneis, reliquis *ueo-brunneo fasciatis aut maculatis : tectricibus alarum pulcbre cyaueis, majonbus exte- 
rioribus albo terminatis, fasciam parvam exhibentibus : remigibus mneo-brunneis, mmoribus extus pulcber- 
rime viridibus, secundariis elongatis versus apicem medialiter albis, remigibus dorsalibus extus pulcbre 
cyaueis : supracaudalibus exterioribus Ifete viridibus : caud4 brunne^, rectricibus albido marginatis et termi- 
natis ; gutture imo et collo laterali albis, plumis plus minusve distincte medialiter nigris ; pectore superiore 
oclirascente, plumis ad basin albis et brunneo crescentim transfasciatis : corpore reliquo subtiis^ intense 
ferrugineo, pectore superiore magis distinete, pectore imo et abdomine obscurius nigro notatis : plagg, crissali 
utrinque alb^ nigro paullulum vermiculat^ : subcaudalibus nigris, lateralibus et lougioribus viridibus, qui- 
busdam fulvo transfasciatis et terminatis : subalaribus albis, imis cinerascentibus, marginalibus fulvo macu- 
latis et pallide cyaneo lavatis : rostro nigro ; pedibus aurantiacis : iride Isete flavS,. 


? mari dissimilis, ubique sordidior : supr^ brunneus, uropygio virescente, plumis omnibus late fulvo marginatis : 
facie et collo lateralibus fulvescentibus brunneo striatis, gutture sordide fulvescente : corpore reliquo subtus 
ochrascenti-fulvo, plumis nigro medialiter notatis : tectricibus alarum cyaneis, anguste fulvo marginatis, 
majoribus albo terminatis : remigibus seneo-brunneis, secundariis latiiis fulvo marginatis. 


Adult male. Crown of the head and space surrounding the base of the bill brownish black, edged with grey ; in 
front of each eye a broad crescent of white, meeting and widening on the chin, where it is more or less 
speckled with black j cheeks, sides, and anterior portion of hind neck dark grey, with beautiful green reflexions, 
mixed with steel-blue in certain lights; a streak down the fore neck, and a circular zone bounding the 
grey portion, fulvous white, largely spotted and mottled with brown ; neck below and fore part of breast 
fulvous white, varied with brown, each feather being pure white at the base, then marked with a broad 
crescent of blackisli brown^ and tipped with fulvous ; on the sides of the neck^ towaids the breast, the v ite 
is very conspicuous, but higher up, and on the hind neck, it diminishes, till at length the dark coloui pre o 
minates, each feather being blackish brown, with a lunate spot of white in the centic, and tipped with u voi s. 
The plumage of the upper surface is very beautiful, the whole of the back and rump bein^ blacki& ^ ^ 

edged with pale brown, and glossed with green, while the scapulars, which are of a peculiai elongate 
are marked and varied in a very effective manner; some of the inferior scapulars aie white, spotte an 


270 


marked near the end with a crescent of shining green, while others are blackish brown, with irregular horse- 
shoe marks of fulvous and white ; the succeeding outer ones are white, bordered on the outer webs and 
largely freckled with purplish blue ■, while the corresponding inner ones are glossy green, with a broad 
lanceolate stripe of white, shaded with brown down the centre. The longer scapulars are still more brilliant : 
the outermost one is glossy purplish blue on its outer web, marked on the inner with a lanceolate stripe of 
satiny white bordered outwardly by shining green ; the next is glossy purplish blue, changing to shining 
green at the base, and margined on the inner web with white ; the corresponding inner ones are dull velvet- 
green, with a broad conspicuous streak of white bordered with brown down the centre ; the whole of the 
small wing-coverts are of a delicate lilac-blue, glossed with purple j the secondary coverts are pure white in 
their exposed portion, purplish black underneath: primaries dark brown, with paler shafts; secondaries 
velvet-brown, glossed with green, the outer ones rich shining green on their outer webs, the long inner ones 
marked down the shaft on their inner webs with a lanceolate streak of pale brown ; the closed wing pre- 
senting a large bright speculum of satiny green, bordered anteriorly above with white : under surface of 
wings and axillary plumes pure white ; along the edges of the wings and towards the flexure a few irregular 
markings of steel-brown ; lower part of breast and all the underparts rich castaneous, very glossy, and 
obscurely blotched and spotted with black ; sides of the body and flanks deep chestnut, with a series of 
elegant crescent-shaped bands, which become more conspicuous on the long plumage overlapping the thighs ; 
on each side of the rump a broad patch of white, freckled and vermiculated with brown ; tail greenish black ; 
upper and lower coverts rich shining green, like the speculum. Irides bright or golden yellow ; bill black ; 
feet orange-yellow. Length 21 inches ; extent of wings 31; wing, from flexure, 9'75; tail 4; bill, from 
base to extremity of upper mandible 2’5, width at the base '6, greatest anterior expansion 1'4, length along 
the edge of lower mandible 2'75 ; tarsus I'o; middle toe and claw 2'1 ; greatest span of web 2. 

Obs. The above description is taken from a fine specimen in my collection in the best condition of plumage ; but 
it should be mentioned that examples of the adult male present much diversity in the details of their 
colouring. In some specimens the white crescents on the cheeks are broken or indistinct, and do not meet 
on the chin, while in others they are very broad and well defined, and at their junction spread over the 
throat in a long irregular patch. The extent of the white markings on the upper part of the breast and 
sides of the neck likewise varies considerably in diflerent individuals, as also do the tints of the plumage 
generally. In birds that have not reached perfect maturity the dark crescents on the sides of the body 
are often wanting, being represented merely by a few transverse bars of dark brown. The size is likewise 
variable, an apparently fully adult male in my collection giving the following measurements : — Length 
20 inches ; extent of wings 27’5 ; wing, from flexure, 9'25. 

Adult female. Crown of the head, nape, hack of neck, and all the upper surface blackish brown, each feather 
broadly margined with fulvous ; all the underparts pale ochre-brown, on the sides of the head and neck 
thickly studded with linear punctations, on the breast and sides largely blotched, and on the abdomen 
mottled with blackish brown ; on closer examination it is seen that on the breast, where the dark colour 
predominates, each feather is blackish brown in the centre, with light margins ; on the abdomen there is a 
basal and another, subterminal, spot of brown ; and the long overlapping tibials are blackish brown, with a 
broad irregular V-shaped mark, and margined with fulvous; quills and wing-coverts as in the male, but with 
a duller speculum and a narrower border of white ; scapulars velvet-brown, glossed with green, margined 
and tipped with fulvous, the shorter ones with a central letter-V mark of the same ; under surface of wings 
and axillary plumes pure white, spotted with dusky brown towards the carpal flexure ; tail and its upper 
coverts velvet-brown, with paler margins. Irides reddish brown, sometimes tinged with yellow ; bill dark 
brown; feet pale brown. Length 18’5 inches ; extent of wings 29 ; wing, from flexure, 9 ; tail 4; bill, from 
base to extremity of upper mandible 2'25, width at the base '5, greatest anterior expansion I, length along 
the edge of lower mandible 2’5 ; tarsus 1'25 ; middle toe and claw 2. 

Young male. Head and neck as in the adult female, except that the punctations on the sides are more conspi- 
cuous, owing to the ground-colour being lighter ; plumage of the upper parts as in the adult female ; but 
the light margins are narrower, the feathers more strongly glossed with velvet-green, and the scapulars 
marked with a central longitudinal streak of dull brown ; lower sides of the neck and the whole of the breast 
blackish brown, each feather marked near the centre in a crescent form and broadly margined with pale 


271 


ochre-brown ; underparts dark chestnut-brown^ spotted and blotched with black, and marked on the sides 
with irregular lunate spots of blaekish brown ; long feathers overlapping the thighs dusky brown, crossed 
by broad undulating bands of fulvous ; spot on each side of the rump white, with numerous crescents and 
freckles of brown ; under tail-coverts pale brown, varied with darker, and vermiculated with black. Bill dark 
brown ; feet pale brown. 

Young female. Punctation on the sides of the head and neck more distinct than in the adult ; the whole of the 
upper surface blackish brown, only faintly glossed with green, the scapulars and upper tail-coverts narrowly 
margined with paler brown ; breast, sides of the body, and the whole of the abdomen dull greyish brown, 
darker on the former, each feather margined with fulvous brown ; under wing-coverts and axillary plumes 
pure white ; the long feathers overlapping the thighs dark brown, with paler edges, but without any mark- 
ings j upper wing-coverts dull purplish grey ; the secondaries merely glossed with green, and their coverts 
tipped with white. 

Nestling. The nestling is covered with thick down, with long produced filaments on the upper parts of the body. 
The downy feathers composing the tail are rather long and have broad spreading plumelets. The upper 
surface is bright olive-brown ; a broad stripe over the eye, another less distinct immediately below the eye, 
a conspicuous spot on each side of the back behind the wings, and another on each side of the rump, fulvous 
yellow, shading into brownish olive on the sides of the body and on the breast. Bill brown, with a yellow 
nail. 

Albino. There is a partial albino in the Canterbury Museum — a fine male specimen. Head and nape very highly 
glossed ; a pure white patch crosses the lower fore neck, where the white line should come, then spreads 
upwards and entirely covers the shoulders and mantle, with only a broken dividing stripe of greyish brown, 
and is then continued on the scapulars, where it narrows down to a point j the white thigh-spot is exagge- 
rated, and the lateral tail-feathers are margined with white ; but in other respects the colours are as in the 
normal plumage. 


The first recorded specimens of this beautiful Duck were forwarded to Europe by Mr. Walter Mantell 
in 1866 ; and Mr. Gould was thus enabled to give a figure and description of the adult male in the 
Supplement to his ‘ Birds of Australia ; ’ but the female was then unknown, and no account of the 
species in the difi’erent conditions of plumage has hitherto appeared. Having myself enjoyed favour- 
able opportunities for studying the bird in its native haunts, and having obtained numerous specimens 
from various parts of the country, I am enabled to give a very complete descriptive history of it from 
youth to maturity. 

The species appears to come very near to Mhynchaspis rhynchotis of the Australian continent ; but 
the late Mr. Gould assured me that, although probably a hundred examples of the latter had passed 
through his hands, he had never seen one with so much white on the sides of the neck and breast as 
the New-Zealand bird exhibits, and that he had no doubt whatever about their being specifically 
distinct. Although more familiar with our own bird than the Australian, my examination and com- 
parison of a great number of specimens has brought me to the same conclusion. Whether the two 
species present other differences of plumage in their earlier states cannot at present be determined, 
inasmuch as no sufficiently complete account of the Australian bird has ever yet been given. I care- 
fully examined the specimens in the Australian Museum ; but these were all in adult plumage ; and 
Mr. Gould s own collection, being in Philadelphia, is, unfortunately, not readily accessible. The 

Australian specimens in the British Museum are all males in full plumage, and therefore do not assist 
the inquiry *. 

* Since the above was written I have seen a young male of the Australian bird in the Ifatural-History Museum at Edin- 
burgh (wrongly labelled Spatula clypeata) : it very closely resembles our Bhynchaspis variegata in the same stage ; but the breast is 
decidedly darker. 


272 


On the wing it is more active than the Grey Duck, but its flight is more irregular. The white 
thigh-spot in the male is very conspicuous when the bird is swimming. 

It is by no means a common species in any part of New Zealand, while in the extreme northern 
portions of the North Island, so far as I am aware, it has never yet been met with. Up to the time 
of the recent volcanic eruption, it was comparatively plentiful at Rotomahana and at Waihi, but not 
in other parts of the Lake district, and I have never heard of more than one pair being seen at 
Rotorua. It is often met with on the Waikato river. 

Mr. Cheeseman writes to me from Auckland — “ Rare with us. I have heard of it on the lakes 
near the Kaipara heads ; Mr. Hobbs has sent me a specimen shot on the Whangamarino creek, near 
Mercer, and it is occasionally seen on Lakes Whangape and Waikare. ’ 

It frequents the shallow lagoons near the sea-coast, and the quiet bush-creeks overshadowed by 
trees, usually associating in pairs, but sometimes forming parties of three or more. It flies with 
rapidity, and often at a considerable elevation, descending to the ground or water in a slanting 
manner, and with the wings bent in the form of a bow. When disturbed on the water it produces a 
low whistling note ; but it is far less suspicious than the common Grey Duck, and is easily approached 
and shot. It subsists on minute freshwater mollusks, aquatic insects, tender herbage, and the seeds 
of the toetoe and other plants ; on opening the stomachs of several I have found a mass of commi- 
nuted substances of a greenish colour, among which could be distinguished fragments of vegetable 
matter, seeds, the remains of insects, and numerous small pebbles of white chalcedony. It no doubt 
extracts much organic matter from the slimy mud and sand in the places it is accustomed to frequent, 
inasmuch as nature has furnished it with a very remarkable spoon-shaped bill, from which it derives 
its popular name. The surface of the upper mandible is smooth, but slightly furrowed from the 
nostrils outwardly, and in its anterior portion is marked with numerous punctures ; its nail is almond- 
shaped, and forms a strong overhanging lip with a hard cutting-edge ; in the lower mandible there is 
a corresponding development, resembling in shape the human finger-nail, which fits into the upper 
process, forming, so to speak, a strong terminal beak; the lamcllee are highly developed in both 
mandibles, presenting a comb-like appearance ; and in addition to this the lower mandible has a 
rasped outer edge. The tongue is large, fleshy, and of a very peculiar shape ; it is fringed along 
its upper edges with a series of stiff, closely set bristles ; towards the extremity it is deeply concave, 
and is furnished anteriorly and on each side with a horny semitransparent membrane. In the 
female the bill is appreciably smaller than in the male, and the spoon-like expansion is not so highly 
developed. 

Mr. Donald Potts found a nest of this species near the Rangitata river, and he has furnished the 
following account of it ; — “ It was placed, not in a swamp, or even near water, but on the side of one 
of the low downs in Craig Phillips, sheltered by a couple of tufts of tussock, and a plant of Spaniard 
grass [Acifhylla ) ; it was made of fine grass, in which was a fair amount of down, but not so much as 
is usually seen in the nest of the Grey Duck ; it was deep and rather narrow across the top (about 
7 inches) ; the eggs were ten in number, ovoido-conical in form, very smooth and fine in texture, 
creamy white, with a slight greenish tint, and measuring in length 2 inches I-^ line, with a breadth of 
1 inch lines.” This nest was found on November 7 ; but as some of the eggs which it contained 
were hatched out, under a hen, on November 18, it is inferred that the Shoveller commenced her 
nest about the first week of October. The young bird so hatched greatly resembled those of the 
Grey Duck [Anas superciliosa) in colour, but could be readily distinguished by the peculiar form of 
the bill *. 

The number of eggs is no doubt variable; for I have a note of the occurrence of a nest at Kaia- 
poi (Canterbury) containing no less than thirteen. 

* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. 1870, -vol. iii. p. 103. 



J.G.KEULEMANS DEL’ » LITH 


Judd & c? LIMITED, IMP 


NEW-ZEALAND SCAUP 

FULIGULA NOV^ ZEALANDIiE, 


B L U 'E DUCK. 

HYMENOL.£MUS MALACORNYNCIIUS 


(TWO-FIFTHS NATURAL SIZE) 







Oedeb AlSrSEEES.] 


[Fah, ANATID^. 


FFLIGULA ^OYM ZEALANDIJl. 

(NEW-ZE ALAND SCAUP.) 


New-Zealand Buck, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 543 (1785). 

Anas novae seelandice, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 541 (1788, ex Lath.). 

Anas novae zealandice. Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. p. 870 (1790). 

Fuligula novae zealandiae, Steph. Gen. Zool. xii. p. 210 (1824). 

Anas atricilla, Forster, Descr. Anim. p. 95 (1844). 

Fulix novae seelandice, Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 86 (1871). 

Native names. 

Papango, Tetepango, Matapouri, Titiporangi, and Eaipo ; “Black Teal” and “Widgeon” of 
the colonists. 

ad. cristatus : supril nigricans, vix virescente nitens, obsolete et minutissime fulvo vermiculatim punctulatus r 
tectricibus alarum paullo brunnescentioribus viridi nitentibus, hand vermiculatis ; remigibus brunneis, 
extus et versus apicem nigricantibus, scapis rufescentibus, minimis extus ad basin albis, fasciam alarem 
conspicuam formantibus, secundariis intimis sordide virescente lavatis : caudd nigricante : capitc summo 
purpureo, faciei et colli lateribus viridi nitentibus : pectore sordide purpurascenti-brunneo : corpore reliquo 
subtfis albicante, minute brunneo transvermiculato, bypoebondriis rufescentibus : subcaudalibus nigri- 
cantibus : subalaribus albidis, exterioribus brunnescentibus : rostro cyanescenti-nigro : pedibus saturate 
brunneis ; iride Isete flav^. 

$ magis brunnescens : subtus pallidior : genis anticis et mento ipso plus minusve albidis. 

Adult male. Head and neck black, glossed with purple and green; at tbe base of tbe lower mandible a spot of 
pure white ; back and upper surface of wings black strongly glossed with green, the scapulars and upper 
wing-coverts minutely pricked or dusted with white ; breast brownish black, freckled and dusted with white 
in its lower portion ; underparts fulvous white varied with brown ; beyond the vent dark glossy brown ; 
sides and long plumage overlapping the thighs dark castaneous brown, with a rich vinous gloss ; primaries 
velvety brown, paler on their inner webs ; secondaries velvety brown glossed with green, the outer ones 
white in their basal portion, presenting, in the closed wing, a narrow white speculum ; sometimes the white 
extends also to the primaries, forming a conspicuous alar bar; tail dark brown. Irides bright yellow; bill 
bluish black; feet dark brown. Total length 17 inches; extent of wings 26; wing, from flexure, 7‘5 ; 
tail2'5; bill, along the ridge 1-5, along the edge of lower mandible 1'9; tarsus 1’25; middle toe and 
claw 2’25. 

Female. A broad band surrounding the base of the upper mandible white ; head, neck, breast, and sides of the 
body blackish brown, changing to castaneous on the lower part of the breast and flanks ; on the abdomen 
lighter brown mottled with fulvous white ; darker brown in the ventral region ; under tail-coverts blackish 
brown largely marked with white ; shoulders dark brown margined with castaneous ; back and upper surface 
of wings blackish brown, glossed with green ; speculum as in the male ; tail dark brown. 

Obs. An example of the female in my collection differs from ordinary specimens in having no frontal band, 
the feathers surrounding the bill being light castaneous brown, but with a spot of white at the base of the 

VOL. II. 2 N 


274 


lower mandible, as in the drake ; the whole of the underparts white mottled with brown, an effect produced 
by each individual feather being brown in its basal portion and white at the tip. Another differs in having 
all the upper parts stained with pale umber-brown. 

There is a smaller form in the Canterbury Museum, several of which were obtained at Lake Ellesmere. 
It is of a more chestnut hue than ordinary specimens, but on a careful comparison I can find nothing to 
distinguish it from the present species. 

Nestling. Has the down thickset j the upper parts pale clove-brown, the underparts white ; a dusky collar round 
the neckj an obscure white spot on each wing, and a smaller one on each side of the rump, the hair like 
filaments on the upper parts rather long, very fine in texture, and perfectly black; irides dark brown; bill 
reddish brown, the under mandihle yellow, with a brownish tip ; feet light brown, both these and the bill 
having a fine polish. 


This small Duck has all the habits of a true Scaup, although it is generally called by other names. 
It is freely distributed over the country, frequenting most of the rivers and lagoons, but seldom being 
met with in the bush-creeks, and never on the open sea-shore. In winter it associates in large flocks, 
mingling freely with the Grey Duck and other species ; but at other times it is more generally met 
with in pairs or in parties of four or flve together. Its powers of flight are very feeble ; it takes 
wing with reluctance, and never rises high in the air, generally only skimming the surface ; but it is 
a very expert diver, and usually trusts to this faculty for eluding pursuit. Even when mortally 
wounded it will often escape by this means, and take refuge in the dense sedge, whence it can only 

be dislodged by a retriever well trained to the work. 

It is interesting to watch a flock of these birds disporting together in the water standing up on 
their feet and flapping their wings, splashing the water as they chase one anothei, swimming under 
the surface, and performing other playful antics, accompanying them with a soft sibilant note and, 
at intervals, a feeble quack-qimck. 

This Duck is semi-nocturnal in its habits, and when the eel-flshing parties light their flres on the 
banks of the stream this inquisitive bird swims close up to the spot, and manifests the utmost 
curiosity in what is going on. 

It is naturally a fearless bird, and in waters where it is protected it becomes very tame. I have 
never heard of any attempt to domesticate it ; but this might, I think, be very easily accomplished, 
and there can be no doubt that it would be a very acceptable addition to the English duck-ponds. 

It builds its nest of grass and lines the interior with soft down from its own body, placing it 
among the swamp-vegetation in situations contiguous to its haunts, or in the centre of a “ negro-head 
just above the level of the water. The eggs vary in number from five to seven, or even more, and 
are of a rather large size for such a bird, measuring 2 ‘5 inches in length by I 75 in breadth , they 
are of a rich dark cream-colour. 

Mr. Travers informs me that he found a nest of this species containing seven eggs as late as the 
17th of March *. He took three away ; and the remaining four were hatched out in due course. 
The old birds were remarkably tame, allowing him to approach within a few yards of them, then 
hustling off the nest and returning to it again as soon as he had withdrawn himself. He remarked 
this very curious fact — that, during incubation, the duck was accustomed on leaving the nest to conceal 
the eggs by a covering of duck-weed taken dripping wet from the lake. He observed this on several 
occasions, and on examining the eggs afterwards he found that although quite wet they were perfectly 
warm. As already mentioned, the eggs were duly hatched in spite of these repeated wettings, 

* Since writing the above I have met with several instances of unhatohed clutches as late as the last week in March. 


Oebeb ANSEEES.] 


[Fam. ANATID^. 


NYEOOA AFSTEALIS. 

(WHITE-EYED DUCK.) 


Nyroca australis, Gould in Eyton’s Monogr. Anat. p. 160 (1838). 

AytJiya australis. Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 86 (1871). 

Native name. — Karakahia. 

Ad. supra brunneus, tectricibus alarum magis cinerascentibus : remigibus brunueis, extus et versus apicem nigri- 
cantibus, minimis extus albis nigro terminatis, fasciam alarem conspicuam form antibus ; caud^ brunneA : 
pileo et collo undique cum pectore superiore saturate castaneis : corpore reliquo subtiis albo, bypochondriis 
cum abdomine imo et crisso sordide castaneis : subcaudalibus et subalaribus albis : rostro nigro, versus 
apicem cinereo transfasciato : pedibus saturate brunneis : iride alba. 

Adult male. The general plumage is dark chestnut -brown, paler on the flanks, and deepening to castaneous on 
the head and nape, where the feathers have a beautiful silky lustre ; a broad band of brownish white crosses 
the underparts ; the under tail-coverts, likewise, are white, and on the sides of the rump there are faint 
spots of greyish white, speckled with brown ; quills dark brown ; primaries in their middle portion, and the 
secondaries towards the base, pure white, forming together, in the opened wing, a conspicuous bar, and 
exhibiting in the closed wing a diagonal triangular spot. Irides whiter bill black, with a band of bluish 
grev near the tip, not including the nail, however, which is black, prominent, and of tbe shape of the human 
finger-nail ; feet dark leaden brown. Length 19 inches ; wing, from flexure, 8 ; tail 3 ; bill, along the 
ridge 3, along the edge of lower mandible 2-25; tarsus Lb; middle toe and claw 2'4; hind toe and claw -6. 

Female. Eather smaller than the male and with the plumage duller. 

Young male. Has the chestnut-brown plumage much lighter, and the feathers of the back margined with pale 
brown; it has also less gloss on the head, and the brownish white of the underparts mottled with brown. 


The existence of this well-known Australian Duck in our country was first ascertained by Captain 
Hutton, who, in 1869, sent me a specimen for determination. He furnished at the same time the 
following notes : — “ I first noticed this bird about two years ago, on the Whangape lake, Lower 
Waikato, and since on the Waikare lake, where it was abundant in March 1868. On the lakes 
of the Lower W^aikato it is not uncommon, but is so w'ary that, as yet, I have only been able to 
obtain three specimens, the first of which was kindly procured for me by Mr. A. M. Sheppard of 
Ahiruna. This bird is known to the natives both of Tarawera and Waikato by the name of Kara- 
kahia. Like all the Pochards, it frequents the lakes only, and is rarely, if ever, seen in the rivers 
and creeks.” 

It has since been found on Lake Ellesmere, in the South Island ; and the Canterbury Museum 
contains several fine specimens from that locality. 

In Australia and Tasmania it appears to be thinly distributed, frequenting quiet reaches of 
rivers (where the water runs slowly), bays and inlets of the sea, and freshwater lagoons. 

Shortly before leaving the Colony I observed one, on the wing, in Te Ante Lake in the Hawke s 
Bay district. 


2n 2 


Okdee ANSERES.] 


[Eam. ANATID^ 


HYMENOLJIMUS MALACOEHTNCHTJS. 

(BLUE DUCK.) 


Soft-billed Duck, Lath. Gen. Syn. in. pt. 2, p. 522 (1785). 

Anas malacorhynchus, Gm. Syst. Nat, i. p. 526 (1788, ex Lath.). 
Malacorhynchus forsterorum, Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 1235. 

Hymenolaimus malacorhynchus. Gray, Ann. Nat. Hist. 1843, vol. xi. p. 370. 
Anas malacorhynchus, Forster, Descr. Anim. p. 94 (1844). 


Native name. — Wio. 

Ad. uhique dare plumbescens, pileo saturatiore, paullo brunnescente : interscapulii plumis medialiter nigricantibus, 
gutture vix brunnescente : pectoris superioris et lateralis plumis pallide castaneo medialiter notatis : subalari- 
bus et subcaudalibus pallide castaneo laratis : rostro albicanti-corneo, ad apicem nigro : pedibus saturate 
brunneis : iride late flavd. 

Adult male. General plumage pale slate-blue, darker on the upper parts ; the crown of the bead and nape, as 
well as the scapulars and upper wing-coverts, olivaceous, with a slight metallic gloss ; the secondaries with a 
narrow exterior margin of velvety black ; the breast thickly spotted with dark chestnut, of which colour 
there are also a few obscure spots on the under tail-coverts. Irides bright yellow ; bill white horn-colour, 
the tip and the lateral membrane black ; legs and feet dark brown. Length 32 inches ; extent of wings 39 •, 
wing, from flexure, 9'5 ; tail 4‘5 ; bill, along the ridge 2, along the edge of lower mandible 1'75; tarsus 3 ; 
middle toe and claw 2‘75. 

Obs. I have observed that, as a rule, the specimens from the South Island have the pectoral markings more 
numerous and conspicuous, and the velvety margins on the secondaries more distinct. 

Female. Slightly smaller than the male, but similar in plumage, excepting that there is little or no metallic 
gloss on the head and upper surface, less chestnut on the breast, and more on the under tail-coverts. 

Young. General plumage lighter, and the underparts whitish ; the green gloss which pervades the plumage ol 
the upper parts in the adult almost entirely absent ; hind head and nape dull cinereous brown ; breast 
obscurely spotted with dusky and brown, sometimes barred with chestnut at the insertion of the wings ; 
under tail-coverts dull rufous brown. 

Nestling. “ Bill horn-colour, lightest on the lower mandible, unguis rosy at the point, membraneous appendage 
slaty black, well overlapping the lower mandible, furnished with lamellse along its basal half, which work 
against the finely serrated sides of the compressed basal half of the lower mandible j body covered with thick 
down, longest on the back ; upper surface dull green, brightest on the back ; over and behind the eye 
irregular streaks of white ; under surface white ; wings and upper part of thighs brownish ; tail green above, 
at each side a patch of chestnut ; under surface of the tail chestnut ; legs and feet yellowish flesh-colour.^’ 
— Potts. 


Far up the mountain-gorge, where the foaming torrent, walled in on both sides, rushes impetuously 
over its shingle-bed, surging around the huge waterworn boulders that obstruct its course, and 
forming alternately shallow rapids and pools of deep water, there the Blue Duck is perfectly at home. 


277 


and its peculiar whistling or sibilant note may be easily distinguished amidst the noise of the 
rushing waters ; indeed, as Mr. Travel’s has already suggested, the bird appears to have been specially 
endowed with this singular note in consequence of its frequenting such localities. A stray one is 
sometimes carried down during a freshet into the still reaches, or even to the very mouth of the 
stream, but it speedily works its way back again to its favourite mountain-haunts. It is a very tame 
or stupid bird, often remaining perfectly quiet on a projecting boulder till you approach within a few 
feet of it ; then sidling off into the water it swims into the nearest rapid and allows itself to be 
hurried down by the current. It seldom dives, and takes wing only when fired at or closely pressed ; 
but it swims with considerable rapidity, the head being carried low and inclined somewhat forward. 
It has the faculty of turning itself round in the water, and without losing ground, however rapid the 
stream, as though its body were worked on a pivot, a performance no doubt aided by the peculiar 
lengthened shape of its tail. It climbs the slippery face of the rocks with facility, assisting itself in 
the ascent by its wings, which are armed at the flexure with a hard protuberance or knob. As 
already mentioned, it utters a peculiar whistling note, from which it derives its native name. 

It is somewhat nocturnal in its habits, and seems to become more active in its movements towards 
nightfall, when it sometimes makes a comparatively long flight in its passage from one mountain- 
torrent to another. 

Some five-and-twenty years ago, in consequence of the death by drowning of the well-known 
botanist, Dr. Sinclair, I paid a visit with his nephew to the scene of this unfortunate accident, near 
the head-waters of the Rangitata, and in this secluded country I found these birds at that time so 
tame .that I could almost catch them with my hand. 

I believe this Duck is to be found at the sources of all mountain-streams, for although I never 
succeeded in getting a specimen at the far north, its name was perfectly familiar to the natives of 
that part of the country. Mr. Cheeseman, however, writes to me : — “ I have never heard of a specimen 
being obtained north of Auckland. Mr. Spencer has shot it at the head of the Kaueranga, Thames. 
Mr. E. E. M. Campbell informs me that it is plentiful at the sources of the streams forming the 
Wairoa river (discharging into Tauranga harbour), and Mr. W. T. Firth has seen it in the Wairere 
stream, near Matamata. I have noticed it in the upper part of the Waitetuna.” 

Captain Mair informs me that the Wio is plentiful in all the mountain-streams in the Urewera 
country. When marching with the native contingent in pursuit of Te Kooti, as many as forty or 
fifty were sometimes caught in the course of a day, some being taken by hand, and others knocked 
over with sticks or stones, so very tame and stupid were they. A pair which he obtained as very 
young birds at Maunga-pohatu lived in the Kaiteriria camp for two years, associating freely with the 
domestic ducks, and fairly establishing themselves in the cooking-hut. They were particularly fond 
of potato and rice, and would readily take food from the hand. Ultimately they took to the lake 
and disappeared. 

My son met with a pair at the Pokaiwhenua falls, in the Upper Waikato, in the early part of 
February. He observed that they ascended the rapids by diving under the surface. They were very 
tame, and by imitating the whistling note of the duck, or the whirring call of the drake, he was able 
to bring them within a few paces of where he stood. He met with this Duck again at Owhaoko, in 
the upper waters of the Eangitikei and Moawhango rivers. 

In the month of March I met with a pair in the turbulent rapids of the Kurupapango, in the 
Hawke’s Bay district. They appeared to fly well on being disturbed, and produced almost constantly 
a soft whistling cry, hardly distinguishable from that of the Flarrier {Circus gouldi). Their ivory- 
white bills were a very conspicuous feature, even at a distance of a hundred yards. 

Mr. Eeischek met with it in the West-Coast sounds, and shot several at night far out on the 
water, thus proving that this Duck is sometimes marine in its habits. He likewise obtained 


278 


specimens in the Pirongia ranges, in the Upper Waikato, and Professor Hutton received it from the 
Mokau district. 

Its range may therefore be described as pretty general, although it is not very plentiful in any 
part of the country. It does not, however, occur out of New Zealand, nor has it any known ally. 

In the autumn of 1863, I visited the upper gorges of the Manawatu river, and obtained a fine 
series of specimens in the various states of plumage. The crops of those which I opened were filled 
with a species of caddis-worm ; ” and on turning out the contents I discovered the nest of this insect, 
consisting of a tough integument shielded by small angular stones firmly glued over the entire surface. 
The caddis-worms were of different sizes (none, however, exceeding an inch in length), light brown 
in colour, with a dark head armed with three nuchal plates, and furnished with six legs. This insect 
appears to exist abundantly in all our shingle-rivers, and as we may assume that it forms the chief, if 
not the only food of the Blue Duck, the troublesome task of dislodging the animal from its stone- 
covered cell appears to explain at once the use of the fleshy membrane which fringes the bill of this 
bird. That it is at any rate, an expert, may be inferred from the fact that out of several hundred 
specimens taken from the crops of my birds, only one of these insects was invested with the case or 
integument, this having probably been swallowed by accident among the rest. 

Several pairs of this Duck were kept for some months in the Acclimatization Gardens at Christ- 
church and became perfectly tame. They were ultimately shipped home to the Zoological Society. 

Mr. Potts states that on examining an embryo of three weeks he found the form of the bill well 
developed, showing on the sides, near the end of the upper mandible, the peculiar membranous 
appendage of a darker colour than the rest of the bill, but that he was unable to discern the presence 
of lamellae ; the caudal down was produced to a remarked degree. The same accurate observer has 
furnished the following interesting account of the breeding-habits of this species : — “ Sometimes it is 
a burrower, and its nest may then be found in a hole in a bank. I have found it concealed from 
view by overhanging sprays of those various Alpine veronicas which sometimes make the mountain- 
creeks in the back country perfect gems of beauty. Tbe nest, like that of other ducks, thickly lined 
with down, generally contains five eggs of a deep cream-colour, elliptical in form, measuring 2 inches 
81 lines in length, with a diameter of 1 inch 9 lines. I have seen nests of eggs in October and 
November, but I have known the young brood to be swimming about by the end of September. We 
may therefore consider it one of our early breeders. As I have mentioned that it breeds in holes of 
banks, it is worth recording, perhaps, that I have found the nest in situations that did not afford any 
great amount of shelter ; one such instance was met with on a spit in the Upper Ashburton river, 
about three miles below the glacier from which that river derives its source : the nest was placed in 
a solitary snow-grass tussock of moderate size, within two or three yards of the stream ; it was made 
of grasses, the interior composed of cut grass like chaff, down, and a few feathers.” 

Mr. Hill, school inspector, was up in the Kuahine ranges (Hawke’s Bay side) towards the end of 
November, and caught some young Wio there. They were very active in the water, diving per- 
sistently, and when hard pressed they took to the bank and endeavoured to secrete themselves. 

The old birds remained on the water within sight and made no sign ; but before the discovery of 
the young, they had tried to divert attention by feigning disability on the water, as if inviting pursuit. 

There are several specimens of the egg of this bird in the Canterbury Museum. They are 
narrower or more elliptical in form than those of most other Ducks, measuring 2-6 inches in length 
by 1-7 in breadth; they are of a pale cream-colour, slightly tinged with green, and some of them 
much stained on the surface, probably from contact with the bird’s feet during the process of 
incubation. 


Obdee AlfSERES.] 


[Fam. ANATID^. 


MEEGUS AUSTEALIS. 

(AUCKLAND-ISLAND MEEGANSER.) 


Mergus australis, Hombr. & Jacq. Ann. des Sci. Nat. 1841, p. 320. 

Ad. brunneus, plumis dorsalibus cinereo lavatis ; alis caud4que brunneis, tectricibus alarum majoribus noiinullis 
albo maculatis : secundariis quoque interioribus extus albo notatis ; pileo cnstato colloque undique ru e- 
scenti-brunneis, gutture clariore rufescente: pectore et abdomine medio albis, scbistaceo variis, corporis 
lateribus saturate scbistaceis, plumis singulis cinereo limbatis : plumis axillaribus pure albis ; rostro nigri- 
canti-brunneo, versus apicem saturatiore : pedibus rufescenti-brunneis. 

Adult male. Head, crest (wbicb is t^yo inches long), and the entire neck reddish brown, paler on the throat and 
lower part of fore neck; entire upper surface dull brownish black, the feathers more or less edged with 
slaty grey, especially on the shoulders ; in place of the speculum there is a broad angular patch of pure 
white on the secondaries, and a few rounded spots of white on their coverts; breast and middle of abdomen 
fulvous white varied with grey ; sides of body, flanks, and under tail-coverts dark slaty grey, with paler tips, 
and the long feathers overlapping the thighs slightly mottled with white; axillary plumes pure white ; 
primaries and tail-feathers blackish brown. Bill reddish brown, changing to black on the culmen and at 
the tips of both mandibles; legs and feet reddish brown. Total length 20-5 inches; wing, from flexure 
7-5 ; tail 3-5; bill, along the ridge 2-3, along the edge of lower mandible 2-7; tarsus 1-5; middle toe and 

claw 2-75. 

Female. Dilfers from the male in having no crest, and in the greyer colour of the head and neck. 

Of this species, Baron von Hiigel writes (Ibis, 1875, p. 392) “ I procured a pair of Mergansers 

with a few other skins in Invercargill, from a man who had just returned from a surveying tiip to 
the Auckland Islands. He had not even turned the skin after taking it off the body ; but as soon as 
I saw the back through the opening, and felt the beak through the skin of the neck, I knew what I 

had I have compared this Mergus with the original description of Mergus australis in 

the ‘ Voyage of the Astrolabe’ ; from it I judge that either the description is a very poor one, or my 
two birds must belong to a new species. But what agrees well, and made me first think they were 
an immature pair of birds, is the lower surface of the body, which, instead of being white, as in 
M. serrator, is of a dull slaty grey, variegated with white bands (the feathers being edged with white). 
The whole plumage is very dark, approaching black on the back, the crest well formed, and the size, 
I fancy, considerably smaller than the British Eed-breasted Merganser {M. serrator). From the great 
difference in size and brightness of colouring in bill and feet, I deem them to be male and female ; 
but in plumage there is little difference. The birds were killed the latter end of November last ; and 

I procured them on the 27th of the following month. 

My collection contains a single example (a female), and there is another, of the same sex, in the 
British Museum. My description of the adult male is taken from the Baron s specimen in the 
Cambridge University Museum, which was courteously lent to me by Professor Newton. 


Okbee PYGOPODES.] 


PODICEPS EUFIPECTUS. 

(NEW-ZEALAND DABCHICK.) 


[Eam. PODICIPEDIDiE. 


Podiceps {Poliocephalus) rujipectus. Gray, in DiefF. Trav. ii., App. p. 198 (1843). 
Podiceps rujipectus. Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terror, Birds, p. 17, pi. 16 (1844). 

Native names. 

Weweia, Totokipio, Taihoropi (Hokianga), and Taratimoho (Waikato). 


Ad. supra nigricans vix viridi nitens, interscapulii plumis scapularibusque pallide brunneo marginatis : pileo 
nuehaque sordide clialybeo-nigris, facie et collo lateralibus brunneis, genis et pilei lateribus filamentis 
pilosis albidis ornatis ; tectricibus alarum dorso concoloribus : remigibus cinerascenti-brunneis, secundariis 
conspicue ad basin albis : gula brunnea : jugulo et pectore anteriore rufescenti-brunneis : corpore reliquo 
subtbs argentescenti-albo, plus minusve brunneo lavato, corporis lateribus brunneis : rostro cyanescenti- 
cinereo, culmine nigricante : pedibus pallide olivascentibus, supra flavicante lavatis, unguibus cyanescentibus 
iride argentescenti-cand,. 

Adult male. Crown and ujjper sides of the bead black, with numerous white hair-like filaments having the 
appearance of pencilled markings ; hind neck and all the upper parts dark olivaceous brown, margined on 
the back with paler brown, and glossed with green ; lower sides of head, throat, and fore neck dusky brown ; 
the cheeks pencilled with white, but not so thickly as on the crown ; upper part of breast dark rufous 
brown ; underparts of the body silvery white, stained on the sides and flanks with dusky brown ; soft downy 
plumage at the lower extremities dull sooty brown. Irides silvery grey ; bill bluish grey, shading to black 
on the ridge ; feet light olive, marked with yellow on their upper surface, olive-brown below, the claws pale 
blue. Total length 12 inches; extent of wings 19; wing, from flexure, 5; bill, along the ridge 1, along 
the edge of lower mandible 1'25 ; tarsus 1‘5; longest toe and claw 2T j hind toe and claw '5. 

Female. In the female the pencilled markings on the head are not quite so distinct, and the rufous colouring 
on the breast is somewhat paler ; but in other respects the sexes are alike. 

Young. The following is the description of a young Dabchick in a transitional condition — that is to say, after 
it has ceased to be a nestling, but before it is fully fledged. On close examination a beautiful development 
exhibits itself : the body is covered with real feathers ; but they are largely fringed with fine down, for the 
purpose of imparting greater waianth, and the whole of the plumage is soft and silky to the touch. The 
head is handsomely marked, the crown being blackish brown varied with rufous ; sides of the head and throat 
fulvous white traversed with marbled veins of dusky black; hind part of neck varied with dull rufous; upper 
surface and sides of the body dusky brown ; breast pale buff ; abdomen yellowish white ; bill dark brown; 
feet olivaceous yellow, with grey margins. 

First year’s plumage. Head black, variegated on the crown with bright ferruginous, and marked on the sides 
with two broad streaks of bufly white, one commencing above the eye and passing round to the occiput, the 
other extending from the angle of the mouth down the side of the neck ; throat and neck yellowish buff 
streaked with black ; upper parts and sides of the body dusky black, indistinctly mottled with fulvous ; 
breast and abdomen bufly white. Bill dark brown, crossed in the middle and near the tip with dull 
black bars. 


Progress towards maturity. The head becomes dark brown, the facial streaks described above gradually disap- 


281 


pearing, but the lengthened plumes with the white pencilled markings still wanting, these being characteristic 
of the fully adult plumage ; chin whitish grey ; lower part of neck and crop dull rufous brown ; the breast, 
sides, and flanks much sulFused with brown, and the white of the underparts without any lustre; upper 
parts greyish brown without any gloss. 

Varieties. The following is a description of an albino presented to the Canterbury Museum by Mr. Thomas 
Waters :-General plumage pure white, the sides of the head and throat shaded with brown; crown, nape, 
and hind neck streaked and spotted with black ; fore neck and breast varied with pale rufous ; shoulders, back, 
and scapulars with numerous scattered black feathers, giving the upper surface a pied appearance; wings dusky 
black more or less varied with white ; bill and feet of the normal colours. Another abnormally coloured 
speciLn in the same collection has the whole of the underparts dark buff, deepening into dull chestnut- 
brown on the breast and fore neck ; the crown of the head and nape black with steel-blue reflexions, and 
with abundant white hair-like plumes on the vertex and occipital region all round. 

Remarks. In this species there is no true crest, but the plumage of the crown and upper sides of the head is 
very soft and the shafts are produced into hair-like filaments, the whiteness of which renders them more 
conspicuous. In place of a tail there is a tuft of black silky feathers about an inch in length. The toes 
are armed with flattened claws, resembling the human finger-nail ; and that of the middle toe has a pectinate 
edge. The tongue is large and fleshy, filling the cavity of the lower mandible ; and the palate is armed with 
two convergent rows of papillse directed backwards. 


Evert country appears to possess at least one species of Dabchick ; and the group does not admit 
of very much variety. The form inhabiting New Zealand, although readily distinguishable as a 
species, is very similar to Podiceps nestor of Australia; and its habits of life are precisely the same. 
It is very abundant in all the freshwater lakes and lagoons of the South Island, and equally so in the 
southern portions of the North Island. Strange to say, however, although the physical conditions of 
the country are the same, till late years it was rarely or never met with in the far north ; indeed the 
only instance that had come to my knowledge of its occurrence in the district north of Auckland 
before 1869 was that of a pair shot by Major Mair in the Hurupaki lake (Whangarei) as far back as 
1852. One of these was sent to Europe ; and the other is in my old type collection in the Colonial 
Museum. Its rarity in that part of the country may be inferred from the fact that the Ketenikau 
and other neighbouring natives had never seen or heard of the bird before. In 1869, however. 
Major Mair on visiting Kotokawau, a very pretty lake at the far north, between Te Awanui and 
Doubtless Bay, found the Dabchick comparatively plentiful there ; of late years it appears to ave 
become even more so. The following is another interesting fact in connection with its local range 
Mount Edgecumhe is a high volcanic cone on the banks of the Kangitaiki river some hfteen mi es from 
the sea. At the bottom of the now extinct crater there is a small pool of water about thirty yaids 
across. In this pool Captain G. Mair, in 1868, observed three of these Dabchmks disporting 
themselves Some months after the same number was seen again in the same place by Dr. Nesbitt and 
Dr. Manley, and again by another party of visitors a considerable time afterwards There are lagoons 
at the foot of the mountain frequented by these birds ; but the singular fact is that those inhabiting 
the basin must have climbed up the cone, which is thickly covered on the outside with dense scrubby 
vegetation, and then into the crater, which contains a heavy forest-growth right down to t e ^ 
of the pool. 

Like the other members of the group, it dives with amazing agility, and unless taken by surprise 
will effectually dodge the gun by disappearing under the surface at the first flash, and be oi e tie 
charc^e of shot has reached it. It is capable of remaining under water a considerable ; an 
when wounded, it hides by submerging the body and leaving only its bill and nostrils expose . en 

hunting for its food, which consists of small mollusca, among the aquatic plants at t e (Atom o t e 

VOL. n. 


286 


usually covered with pond-weed, during the absence of the birds from the nest, but afterwards the nest 
is seldom, if ever, left by both birds, except under unusual circumstances. 

“ The New-Zealand bird, as might be expected from its more recent contact with civilized man, 
is far less shy than the European one, and easily discriminates between persons who may be dangerous 
and those who are not. The children of my manager frequently visit the nests during the progress 
of incubation, and as they have never injured the nests or eggs, or interfered mischievously with the 
birds themselves, they are allowed to approach quite close without the latter thinking it necessary to 
quit the nest. When they do so, they glide into the water with a quick but stealthy motion, diving 
at once and rising at a considerable distance from the nest. 

ti eggs do not appear to sutfer from immersion in water, even for a considerable time ; for, 
on one occasion three eggs which by some means had been thrown out of a nest, and had sunk below 
it to a depth of several feet, and which must have been immersed in the water for twenty-four hours 
at least, were replaced by one of the children, and the parent birds having sat upon them, two out 
of the three produced chicks 

“ When the water of the lake is rising in consequence of heavy rain the birds are seen busily 
engaged in procuring material and building up the nest so as to raise the eggs above the reach of the 
■flood. This added material is afterwards spread out after the water subsides ; but on some rare 
occasions the rise of the lake has been so great and so rapid that, the birds having been unable to 
meet it, the eggs have become addled. In such case no chicks have been produced that season. 

“ The young birds are of a greyish colour, striped with black, and, particularly when of a small 
size, are not easily detected whilst floating on the water. They take to the water immediately after 
being excluded from the egg, and both parents exhibit the greatest solicitude in tending and feeding 
them. When fatigued they are carried on the backs of the old birds, taking their station immediately 
behind the insertion of the wings, for which purpose the parent bird immerses itself deeper in the water. 

“ Mr. Yarrell, in his description of the Crested Grebe of Europe, says : — ‘ The parent birds are 
very careful of their young, taking them down with them for security under their wings when they 
dive.’ This is certainly not the case with the New-Zealand birds, for I have frequently observed the 
parents, both when engaged undisturbed in feeding the young ones, and when pursued by a boat for 
the express purpose of noting their habits. In no instance did I see the young ones being taken down 
by the parent when diving. It dives itself with great ease, and travels a considerable distance under 
water. From its inconspicuous colour and small size it easily eludes observation, more particularly 
if there be the slightest ripple on the water ; and this is quite sufficient protection for it. When 
engaged in feeding their young, each parent bird dives in succession, the young ones remaining on 
the surface, but with the body fully immersed, so as to leave nothing but the small head and neck 
visible. The habit of carrying the young on their backs and of diving in order to shake them off 
when the young birds exhibit a determined disinclination to leave their snug station, has probably 
led to the error referred to.” 

According to my experience the eggs of this species are very elliptical in foim, measuring 2‘25 
inches in length by 1’45 in breadth; a small example in my sons collection from Eotoiti in the 
South Island measures 2 inches in length by 1'4 in breadth. They are usually three in number, but 
sometimes more. When first deposited in the nest they are of a greenish-white colour, with a chalky 
surface, but they rapidly become discoloured and smudged, owing probably to some staining quality 
in the materials composing the nest. I have seen one so deeply discoloured as to be of a uniform 
reddish-brown colour. Whatever the cause may be, they are always found thickly smeared and stained 
with yellowish brown, and often presenting a very dirty appearance. 


Oebee IMPENNES.] 


EUDYPTES PACHTKHTNCHUS. 

(CRESTED PENGUIN.) 


[East. SPHENISCID.^. 


Eudyptes ’pachyrhynGhus, Gray, Voy. Ereb. and Terr., Birds, p. 17 (1844). 

Chrysocoma pacJiyrhynchus, Bonap. C. R. xliii. p. 775 (1856). 

Eudyptes pachyrhyncha, Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 98 (1871). 

Eudyptes chrysocovnus, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 344 (1873). 

Eudyptes chrysocoma, Sharpe, App. Voy. Ereb. and ierr. p. 35 (1875). 

Eudyptes pachyrhynchus, Bnller, Man. Birds of N, Z. p. 100 (1882). 

Native names . — Tawaki and Pokotiwha. 

Ad. suprsl nigricans, sordide cyanescente nitens : subtus albus, pectore lateral! dorso concolore : ala quoque dorse 
coneolore, secundariis anguste albido terminatis : supercilio distincto a naribus ducto et pileum marginante, 
postice eristato, dilute sulpbureo : facie lateral! gulaque nigricantibus vix brunnescenti-albo varus : rostro 
rubescenti-brnnneo ad basin nigricante : pedibus flavicanti-albidis, subtus nigricanti-brunneis : iride flavicanti- 
brunnea. 

Adult. Crown, sides of the head, throat, and hind part of neck black ; the rest of the upper surface bluish black, 
each feather having a narrow central streak of pale blue; from the base of the upper mandible, on each side 
a broad line of pale golden yellow passes over the eyes, and is continued beyond in a crest of fine pointe 
feathers, extending nearly two inches beyond the head; the black feathers of the crown between these side 
crests are lengthened, acuminate, and slightly rigid; upper surface of flippers glossy bluish black, the 
feathers, which are lanceolate and closely imbricated, being margined and tipped with pale blue ; along the 
inner edges a narrow band of white. The underparts of the body are silvery white, contrasting sharply on 
the sides wdth the dark plumage of the upper surface, and tapering upwards on the fore neck to a point 
about three inches below the angle of the lower jaw ; under surface of flippers bluish grey, with the central 
portion outwardly, and a continuation towards the root, silvery white ; tail-leathers long, narrow, very rigid, 
and perfectly black ; the coverts greyish white, with black shafts, and tipped with blue. Irides brick-rcd ; 
bill from rich nut-brown to pale orange-brown, darker on the lower mandible, blackish at the base, and 
horn-coloured at the tip ; feet pinkish or yellowish white, with darker webs ; claws dark brown, with black 
points, the soles blackish brown. Total length 27 inches ; length of flipper 8-5 ; tail 4 ; bill, along the ridge 
2-75, along the edge of lower mandible 2-75 ; tarsus 1-5 ; middle toe and claw 3-5 ; hind toe and claw ‘70. 

Young. Has the crests very inconspicuous, the line over the eye being narrow, and the posterior feathers scarcely 
produced beyond the head ; the crown and nape dull black, and the sides of the hind neck below strong y 
tinged with brown; the peculiar sharply deflned black throat which distinguishes the adult hird is absent, 
the chin and the sides of the face being mottled with dusky black on a lighter ground, shading away insen- 
sibly on the throat ; the plumage of the upper parts duller than in the fully matured bird. Bill dark brown. 

More advanced state. Crown of the head bluish black, the feathers somewhat lengthened, wRh polished shafts ; 
from the base of the mandible, in a line with the nostrils, a streak of pale yellow with points of black pa^ s 
over the eyes, widening backwards and extending to the hind head, where the feathers are lengt lene , 
scarcely to a degree deserving the name of a crest; the throat and for nearly three inc es ^ 
neck sooty black, freckled and mottled with fulvous white; the whole of the upper surface u uis 

black, the centre of each feather having a touch of colour ; along the lower edge of flippers a narr 
white ; tail-feathers sooty black ; the whole of the underparts pure white. Bill clear red is rown , ee 
flesh- white ; the claws black. 


284 


but there is a tinge of rufous on the dark plumage of the sides immediately under the wings; the primaries 
are of a uniform blackish brown^ with darker shafts ; the secondaries, tertials, and a broad band on the 
anterior edge of the wings pure white ; primary and secondary coverts blackish brown ; lining of wings and 
axillary plumes pure white. 

Younger state. No appearance whatever of crest or ruif, but the position of the future growth is indicated by a 
pale wash of rufous on the sides of the neck. 

Obs. The above descriptions are taken from fine examples of this bird in the Colonial Museum ; but it should 
be mentioned that individuals exhibit slight differences of plumage, especially in the amount of chestnut 
and rufous colouring. A fine adult male in my collection has the sides of the neck and shoulders, as well 
as the sides of the body and thighs, pale rufous, whilst the rest of the underparts are silky white. 

Nestling. Covered with soft down ; the head, neck, and upper parts generally, pale buff, with numerous longi- 
tudinal stripes of black, which are broadest on the back ; the underparts yellowish white. Bill yellow, 
crossed at the base and in the middle with black, changing to white near the tips of both mandibles ; legs 
and feet light olive-brown. (Obtained by Sir James Hector on Lake Whakatipu.) 

A down-covered chick killed by Mr. Cheeseman (out of a brood of seven) on Eotoiti lake. South 
Island, in January 1881, is preserved in the Auckland Museum : — Upper parts huffy white with longitudinal 
stripes of brownish black running the whole length of the body ; on the hind neck these stripes become 
darker, but narrower, and somewhat broken or irregular ; on the sides of the crown they spread out into 
broad patches, meeting again acuminately at the base of the upper mandible, and enclosing a small trian- 
gular spot of bare skin ; on the wings a narrow irregular stripe of black ; throat, fore neck, and underparts 
white. Bill blackish brown, with a white horny tip ; feet apparently greenish black, but faded in the dried 
specimen. 

More advanced stage. Little or no occipital crest, but a perceptible ruff which is white clouded with chestnut- 
red ; throat marked with interrupted streaks of brown. (Prom a specimen in my own collection.) 

Progressive state. An immature bird in the Otago Museum has the occipital crests only about half an inch 
long ; there is scarcely any ruff, and what there is of it is white with faint reddish blotches ; and in the 
wings, which are open, the white on the secondaries is very distinct. 


The species described above is no doubt identical with that inhabiting Australia, and named Podiceps 
australis by Mr. Gould. On a careful comparison of specimens, however, I can see no reason for 
separating it from the well-known Podiceps cristatus of Europe ; and I therefore agree with Dr. 
Finsch in the adoption of that name. 

The specimen on which I founded my original description of Podiceps hectori was in an imper- 
fect condition, and the supposed absence of white on the secondaries proved afterwards to be merely 
accidental ; but, as I have already pointed out in a published paper *, there appears to be a distinct 
race inhabiting some of the South-Island lakes, and distinguished by the dark colour of the under- 
parts. Sir James Hector considers this a good species, and states that he found it on the Whakatipu 
lake, accompanied by young, and exhibiting the double crest and red ruff which characterize the 
fully adult bird ; while in brackish lakes by the coast, where old and young birds, as well as eggs, 
were obtained, none but white-breasted ones were ever shot. 

On a comparison of the two forms, I find that the Whakatipu bird (of which there are several 
examples) is father larger than ordinary specimens of P. cristatus, has the upper parts perfectly 
black, and the fore neck and underparts greyish brown tinged with rufous ; the lores, moreover, are 
black, the rufous white commencing at the angle of the mouth and passing under the eyes to the 
ear-coverts. It will, of course, be necessary to obtain a larger series of specimens, establishing the 

* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. 1869, vol. ii. p. 388. 


285 


constancy of these characters, before the question can he set at rest j but if the dark-breasted bird 
should hereafter prove to be a distinct species, I must claim from naturalists its recognition as the 

true Podiceps liectori. 

The Crested Grebe is, generally speaking, a rare bird in both Islands, but is more commonly 
met with in the southern portions of the Otago country than elsewhere. The late Mr. Wilmer 
informed me that during an expedition with Major Goring to Waikareiti, in the spiing of 
shot seven or eight of them on that lake, and he sent me the skin of one he had preserved. This is 
a curious fact in the distribution of this bird, seeing that Waikareiti is at a much higher elevation 
than Waikaremoana, where this Grebe has never yet been found. Like the Dabchick its local dis- 
tribution is quite unaccountable. I have already mentioned (on p. 281) a singular instance in the case 
of the latter species. Hurupaki is one of those deep, wood-fringed lakelets which lend such a charm 
to the bush-scenery of the North Island. I have before me now a large photograph of this picturesque 
spot, displaying through a gap in the forest a placid sheet of water, hemmed in to the very edge by a 
growth of underwood in rank profusion and reflecting on its mirror-like surface the sylvan beauty 
that surrounds it — a view of transcendent beauty and not to be excelled by any lake- scenery of its 
kind in the world. In this sequestered place, surrounded by woods and far removed from any other 
sheet of water, a solitary pair of Dabchicks had taken up their abode ; and, as with the fly m the 
piece of amber, the marvel was how they ever got there. In the case of strong-winged birds no 
surprise is occasioned by the occurrence of stragglers in places remote from their ordinary range ; but 
it is quite impossible to account for the appearance in such a locality of this little Grebe, which is 
altogether incapable of any prolonged flight, and is, moreover, from the position of its legs, very 

helpless on land. , ^ ^ 

Unlike the Dabchick, which is more or less gregarious, the Crested Grebe seems to love 

seclusion being generally met with singly or in pairs. It is a striking object on the water and swims 
with much grace ; and when two of them are associated or feeding together they have a pretty habit 
of meeting each other after each dive, and “ touching bills ” as if in token of their mutual confidence. 

Mr. Travers has so well described the habits of the Crested Grebe from personal observation, 
that I cannot do better than transcribe a portion of his paper, merely adding that, although I have 
had less favourable opportunities of studying the bird in its natural haunts, I can myself verify much 


of what he has written 

“ Podiceps cristatus is found at all seasons of the year upon Lake Guyon, a small lake in the 
Nelson Province, lying close under the Spencer mountain-range, and upon the borders of which the 
station buildings connected with a run occupied by me are situated. The water of this lake is 
generally very warm, and even in severe seasons has never been frozen over. To this fact I attribute 
the circumstance that some of these birds are to be found upon it throughout the year. There are 
several apparently permanent nests on the borders of the lake, which have been occupied by pairs of 
birds for many years in succession, from which I am led to infer that, as in the case of some of the 
Anatidm, these birds pair for life. These nests are built amongst the twiggy branches of trees which 
have fallen from the banks of the lake, and now lie half floating in its waters, and are formed of 
in-eo-ularly laid masses of various species of pond-weeds, chiefly Potamogeton, found growing in the 
lake"’ and which the birds obtain by diving. They are but little raised above the surface of the 
water ; for, in consequence of the position and structure of its feet, and the general form of its body, 
the Grebe is unable to raise itself upon the former unless the body be in great measure supported by 
water. 

“Both the male and female Grebe assist in the labour of incubation, although I believe that 
the chief part of this task devolves upon the female, and that she is only relieved by her partner for 
the purpose of enabling her to feed. Before the actual work of incubation commences, the e^^j^s are 


282 


lagoon, it usually remains under about 20 seconds, and then rises to the surface for an interval of 
7 seconds, repeating these actions with the utmost regularity, as I have observed by timing them 
with my stop-watch. It flies with difficulty and only for a short distance, skimming the surface with 
a very laboured flapping of its little wings. On the water it usually swims low, and with a rapid 
jerking movement of the head. The form of its body and the laminated structui*e of its feet are 
admirably adapted to its subaqueous performances; and in clear water I have watched the bird 
gliding easily along the gravelly bottom, with the neck stretched forward and moved from side to 
side, and the wings partially open, the feet being used as a means of progression. It utters, at 
intervals, a peculiar sibilant note, from which it derives its native name of Weiveia, Although 
generally found in pairs it is gregarious also, and I have counted as many as twenty consorting 
together on a small sheet of water at Manawatu. Its natural element is the water, which it seldom 
quits : but when resting, as it sometimes does, on a bank, at the water’s edge, it assumes a very upright 
position with the neck stretched up to its full length. 

It is naturally a very curious or inquisitive bird, and if an object is kept moving within sight, or 
something is done to arrest attention, the Dabchicks, after swimming about for a time, will approach 
nearer and nearer, jerking the head forward in the manner already described as they advance. Some- 
times they swim so low that the back is scarcely visible above the water ; at other times the whole 
body seems to rise above the surface. They indulge, too, in a habit of standing bolt upright in 
the water and flapping their wings, apparently for the purpose of shaking the water out of them. 
Kecently, three were shot in a deep freshwater lake not far from Hokianga Point ; these had their 
stomachs crammed with a species of leech, about an inch in length and of a pale yellow colour. 

Captain Mair states that this bird is very plentiful in the Hot Springs district, and especially in 
Kaiteriria and Rotorua lakes. On its habits he has furnished me with the following note : — “ In 
1869 I was riding along the shores of Tikitapu lake with H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, when our 
attention was arrested by a pair of Dabchicks with their young. We drew up and watched them for 
some time. Taking alarm at our approach, the female took her five young ones on her back and 
made several dives with them, coming up after each submersion at distances of ten yards or more. 
The young birds appeared to nestle under the feathers of the parent’s back, and to hold on with their 
bills. In this manner they continued to dive till they were entirely out of sight, and H.R.H. appeared 
to be much interested in this singular performance.” 

The Dabchick is very properly included in the schedule to ‘ The Wild Birds Protection Act,’ 
and the wanton killing of the bird is punishable by fine. Notwithstanding this, however, a few find 
their way into the market ; and it was the sight of one of these birds hanging in a poulterer’s shop 
at Wellington that drew from the vigorous pen of Mr. Edward Wakefield, in the ‘Evening Press,’ 
a very pathetic appeal concluding thus : — “ Anyone who deliberately slaughters a Dabchick, must 
surely be of that ruthless quality which would have achieved for him a distinguished position in the 
service of Herod the King. But to all sportsmen, and to all colonists, whether sportsmen or not, we 
would say. Spare the poor little, defenceless, inoffensive Dabchicks ! Have the manliness to deny 
yourself a moment’s selfish excitement, for the sake of helping to prolong the existence of any of those 
few races of God’s dear creatures which we found in possession of New Zealand when first we intruded 
ourselves upon its solitudes.” 

The nest of this species is a large and somewhat clumsy structure, formed of the roots and 
leaves of various aquatic plants, but always well concealed. The eggs of the Dabchick, usually two 
in number, are of a perfect elliptical form, and greenish white when first laid, with a granulate 
surface, and often presenting round warty excrescences. Examples vary slightly as to size ; but an 
average specimen measures 1'7 inch in length by 1 in breadth. After long incubation the surface 
of the shell becomes smeared and stained to a yellowish-brown colour. 


Oedee PYGOPODES.] 


[Fam. PODICIPEDID^. 


PODICEPS CKISTATUS. 

(GREAT CRESTED GREBE.) 


Colymbus cri status, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 222 (1766). 

Colynibus urinator, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 223 (1766). 

Podiceps cristatus. Lath. Inch Orn. ii. p. 780 (1790). 

Colymbus cornutus, Pall. Zoogr. Rosso-Asiat. ii. p. 353 (1811). 
Lopliaitliyia cristafa, Kaup, Natiirl. Syst. p. 72 (1829). 

Podiceps mitratus, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. p. 953 (1831). 
Podiceps piatagiatus, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. p. 955 (1831). 
Podiceps longirostris, Bonap. Faun. Ital., Ucc. p. 18 (1832-41). 
Podiceps australis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1844, p. 135. 

Podiceps hectori (var.), Buller, Essay on N.-Z. Orn. p. 19 (1865). 

Native name. — Pateketeke. 


Ad. supr^ nigricans, remigibus brunnescentibus, minimis albis : pileiplumis utrinque elongatis, fascias duas erectas 
formantibus ; loris et lined superciliari angusta cum facie laterali gulaque albis : regione oculari, collo 
lateral! guttureque cristatis, ferrugineis, nigro marginatis : corpore subtus argentescenti-albo, latenbus 
brunneis : rostro cinerascenti-brunneo, versus apicem pallidiore : pedibus olivascenti-mgris : rride coccinea. 

Adult male. Crown, hind neck, and general upper surface, as well as the sides of the body, blackish brown, 
slightly glossed with green ; a streak in front of the eyes, the throat, sides of the head and lower part of 
fore neck fulvous white j underparts of the body silvery white, stained deeply on the sides of the breast and 
slightly in front with chestnut. The feathers of the nape are produced in soft filamentous plumes, forming 
two black occipital crests, nearly 2 inches in length ; the corresponding plumage of the neck is developed in 
a similar manner, forming a thick ruff of a beautiful silky texture, bright chestnut in its anterior portion 
and then jet-black; on the neck below there is a wash of the same bright chestnut. The primary quills are 
greyish brown, with black shafts, the webs stained more or less and tipped with pale rufous ; secondaries 
pure white, excepting the outermost ones, which are black on their exposed webs and arc largely marked 
with rufous; bastard quills pure white ; outer wing-coverts greyish brown; secondary coverts much pro- 
duced and almost black ; edges and lining of wings white, with rufous stains. Irides red ; bill dark brown 
yellowish along the lower edge and at the tip of the lower mandible ; legs aud feet olivaceous black tinged 
with green on the edges and near the joints; claws greenish black, with a pectinate edge of transparent 
horn-colour. Total length 22 inches ; wing, from flexure, 7-5 ; bill, along the ridge 2*4, along the edge of 
lower mandible 3 ; tarsus 2'75 ; longest toe and claw 3‘25. 

Female. Similar to the male in plumage, and adorned in the same manner with ruff and crest, but having the 
breast more or less stained with pale rufous and brown. 

Young. Crown of the head and nape black, with dull steel reflexions ; the feathers of the forehead and those 
immediately over the eyes tipped with white ; hind part of neck, back, and general upper surface blackis 
brown ; throat, fore neck, breast, and underparts of the body silvery white. The occipital feathers on both 
sides are lengthened, forming an inconspicuous crest ; there is no ruff ; but the plumage of that portion o 
the neck is somewhat longer than on the surrounding parts, aud is lightly washed with chestnut and marked 
on the sides with black : there is an absence of the chestnut colouring on the breast, which is pure white , 

2o2 


288 


Nestling. Head and throat, hind neck and entire upper surface covered with short, thick, woolly down of a sooty 
brown colour j the rest of the body covered with yellowish-white down, but so thinly that the white skin is 
visible underneath. From the crop to the abdomen, down the centre, there is a perfectly hare strip ; the 
flippers also are bare. Bill brownish black, changing to dull white at the tip ; feet flesh-white. 

Obs. A specimen caught in the castaway wreck of a brig near the Wellington heads, in 1856, was brought to 
me in a moulting condition, and presented a very singular appearance — the plumage peeling off as it were 
in large patches, and disclosing to view a short undergrowth of new feathers : the whole process was 
completed in two or three days. 

The eyes are not as depicted in my former edition. They are of a dark brick-red, with a very small 
pupil, which in the strong sunlight becomes reduced to a mere black point, situated above the middle line. 
The eve has a very peculiar appearance, being more like a flat button than a bird s eye, and it is large for the 
size of the Penguin. It reminds one in its general character of a seaPs eye, and on watching the bird in the 
sunlight it will he seen that the nictitating membrane, which is extremely thin and transparent, is being con- 
tinually drawn over it, having the appearance, owing to its delicacy, of a mere line crossing the vision, there 
being no movement whatever of the eyelids. The feet are of a pinky flesh -colour, not dark as in my former 
Plate, which was drawn from a preserved specimen. The hill is of a uniform rich pale orange-brown, not 
dark brown as in the old figure. I examined on one occasion six or seven of these birds on board the 
‘ Hinemoa,’ and all had bills of the same colour. Both sexes are crested, and I can distinguish no 
difference in the plumage. 


This fine Penguin is more or less distributed, in suitable localities, all around our coast-line. In the 
North Island it is a comparatively rare bird, but it becomes more numerous as we proceed south ; 
and in the West Coast sounds large colonies of them are to be found breeding together among the 
rocks or in the caverns scooped out of the cliffs by the erosive action of the sea. Reischek found as 
many as twenty-four pairs associated together in Supper Cove, and nearly as many on Cooper’s Island. 
In the vicinity of these breeding-places the birds may often be seen swimming in companies, cleaving 
the water like a school of small porpoises. On the Snares, he “ saw thousands of them jumping over 
the rocks, and fishing in the sea to feed their young ones, which were nearly full-grown.” This was 
about the last week in January. 

On Bounty Island they congregate in large numbers during the breeding-season, sharing the 
domain with Diomedea melanophrys and other sea-birds having a community of interest. (See wood- 
cut on page 293.) 

Major Mail- informs me that he saw a perfectly tame one, which had been captured by the natives 
half a mile up the Opotiki river, in 1868. It is not often that this Penguin wanders so far up the 
coast, although I have a record of one taken at the mouth of the Waiotahi, five miles further north. 

It is occasionally found nesting on the Island of Kapiti, hut not in communities. 

The eggs, as a rule, are of a very rounded form, measuring 2‘9 inches in length by 2'3 in breadth. 
The largest and most rounded specimen in my son’s collection gives the above measurements ; the 
smallest, which is more ovoido-conical in form, measures 2'75 inches by 2-05 ; and one of intermediate 
size 2" 9 inches by 2T. I have seen one, however, of a broadly elliptical form, measuring 2‘9 by 1'9, 
and with its smaller pole much fiattened. The colour of the shell when fresh is a pale bluish green, 
the tint being brighter in some than in others, but this is in a great measure due to the presence in 
some of a chalky film of yellowish white ; after being incubated they become much soiled and 
stained. In some specimens the surface exhibits minute pimples or chalky excrescences. 


Oedeb IMPENNES.] 


[Fam. SPHENISCID^. 


EUDYPTES SCLATEEI. 

(SCLATER^S PENGUIN.) 


Eudyptes chrysocome, Sclater, Zool. Soc. Register (1888, nec Forst.). 


Ad. similis E. pachyrhyncho, sed major et fascia superciliari a rictu oris miuime a basi narium oriente : alis subtus 
magis extensb nigricantibus. 

Adult. Similar in plumage to Eudyptes pachyrhynchus, but appreciably larger iu all its dimeusions. It lias a 
similar superciliary streak of golden yellow which develops into an erectile crest on each side of the head , 
but this streak, instead of commencing in a line with the nostrils as in the former species, springs from the 
base of the upper mandible immediately above the angle of the mouth. The posterior edge of the flippers 
in its middle portion has a border of white nearly ’25 of an inch in width running off on both sides to a 
point ; the under surface in its basal and apical portions with a broad connecting band along the anterior 
edge, jet-black. Bill uniform reddish brown, with a line of white along the base of the lower mandible, 
which is more conspicuous in the live bird than in the dried specimen, being somewhat concealed in the latter 
by the overlapping feathers ; feet yellowish wdiite ; claws reddish brown, changing to black at the tips. 
Total length 28 inches; length of flipper 8 ; tail 3'5 ; bill, along tbe ridge 2'4, along the edge of lower 
mandible 2’75 ; tarsus 1'25 ; middle toe and claw 3'6. 


In April last I received a note from Dr. Sclater calling my attention to two Penguins recently added 
to the menagerie of the Zoological Society at Regent’s Park, and observing : “ Ihe bird just received 

from the Aucklands seems quite distinct from the New-Zealand species. I accordingly repaired to 
the “ Fish-house,” and the inspection which I then made satisfied me that, notwithstanding a general 
outward resemblance between the two birds, there was considerable difference both as to size and in 
the details of the plumage. 

The Auckland-Island bird having since died it was courteously forwarded to me by Mr. Bartlett, 
the Superintendent of the Gardens, for more critical examination. 1 received, about the same time, 
from Sir James Hector, a Penguin preserved in spirits which proves to be a similar bird ; and after a 
careful comparison of these specimens with the very complete series of Eudyyjtes pacliyrhynchus in my 
own collection, I have no hesitation in pronouncing the Auckland-Island bird a new species, distin- 
guishable from the former by its larger size, by the peculiar character of its superciliary streak, and 
by the different coloration of its flippers. 

It becomes necessary, therefore, to select a distinguishing name for this species, and I have much 
pleasure in connecting with it that of the accomplished Secretary of the Zoological Society of London, 
Dr. P. L. Sclater, F.R.S., who has long taken an interest in our local zoology, as was recognized by his 
election some years ago as Honorary Member of the New-Zealand Institute. 


2 p 


VOL. II. 


Order lilPENNES.] 


[Eam. SPHENISCID^. 


EUDYPTES CHEYSOCOME. 

(TUFTED PENGUIN.) 


Aptenodytes chrysocome, Forst. Comm. Soc. Reg. Sc. Gott. iii. p. 135, pi. 1 (1781). 

Clirysocoma saltator, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. p. 58, pi. 8 (1826). 

Catarractes chrysocome, Brandt, Bull. Ac. Pet. ii. p. 314 (183 <). 

Eudyptes chrysocome, Gould, B. of Austr. fol. vii. pi. 83 (1848). 

Eudyptes nigrivestis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1860, p. 418 *. 

Eudyptes chrysocome, Scl. P. Z. S. 1860, p. 390. 

Spheniscus chrysocome, Schl. Mus. Pays-Bas, JJrinat. p. 6 (1866). 

Eudyptes nigriventris. Gray, IIand-1, of B. iii. p. 98 (1871, err.). 

Eudyptes saltator, Sharpe, Zool. Kerg., Phil. Trans. R. S. vol. 168. p. 158 (1879). 

Eudyptes Jilholi, Flutton, Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. W. vol. iii. p. 334 (1879). 

Ad. supra sordide cinereus, pilei plumis rigidis, elongatis, eristam frontalem exhibentibus, verticis lateralis plumis 
quoque elongatis, cum fascia lata superciliari eristam duplicem formantibus : facie laterali cum colli lateribus 
gulaque totS, bruunescenti-cinereis ; corpore reliquo pure albo : pectore laterali, bypoebondriis, imis et tibiis 
postice cinereis : ala suprk saturate cinerea, margine alari summi vix albida, secundariis etiam albo termi- 
natis : cauda rigida dorso concolore : al3, subtus alba, ad basin et juxta marginem alarnm summarum cinerea j 
remigibus primariis versus apicem cinereo-nigricantibus ; rostro aurantiaco ; pedibus albicantibus , hide 
coccineA. 

Adult. Similar in plumage to Eudyptes pachyrhynchus, but witba narrower bill andmucb more abundant ciest; 
besides wbicb tbe tbroat is dark slaty instead of black, and tbe flippers have a more conspicuous white outer 
margin ; a streak of golden yellow commencing at the base of the upper mandible, in a line with tbe nostrils, 
passes over the eyes and spreads out in a tuft behind to tbe length of three inches or more, tbe plumes being 
narrow and of soft texture ; the feathers on the sides of tbe head are also lengthened and mingle with the 
yellow plumes, forming together a fine erectile crest. Total length 26'5 inches ; length of flipper 6 75 ; 
tail 3'75 ; bill, along the ridge 2, along the edge of lower mandible 2'3 ; tarsus -75 ; middle toe and claw 2'75. 

Young. Has tbe plumage generally duller, and the tbroat largely mottled with fulvous white ; with little or no 
crest, and a very inconspicuous streak of yellow over tbe eyes. 

Far. An example from Campbell Island, in tbe Otago Museum, presents tbe following appearances : Head, 
throat, hind neck, and all tbe upper surface sooty brown, darkest on the crown and nape ; fore neck, breast, 
and underparts yellowish white, tbe brown of tbe upper parts fading into this on the sides of tbe body. 
Bill black at the base, bright yellow in its outer portion ; feet brown, with yellow claws. 

Ots. In some examples the coronal feathers are also produced, but not to tbe same extent as tbe lateral crests. 

Note. Professor Hutton, who described this form under tbe name of Eudyptes filholi, remarks “ In colour and 
in length of crest, this species is intermediate between E. chrysocome ■\ and E. chrysolopha-, but is easily 
distinguished from both by the superciliary yellow streaks commencing behind tbe termination of tbe 
culmeu instead of between tbe termination of the culmen and tbe nostrils, and by the dark eolour of tbe 

*- With regard to E. nigrivestis, I think I am right in stating that Mr. Gould, who distinguished the species, agreed with 

me tliat it could not stand. 

i* Eudyptes pcicliyvliyThclius of the present edition. 


291 


back advancing on the sides of the lower neck. From E. chrysocome it is also distinguished by the 
narrowness of the hill, and the different shape of the black mark on the under surface of the apex of 
the wing, in which E. filholi resembles E. chrysolopha. From the latter species it is also distinguished by 
its colour.^^ After examination of a large series of specimens I have come to the conelusion that the Jir 
here described is not separable from the so-called Eudyptes saltator. I may add that this view is concurre 
in by Messi-s. Salvin and Sharpe, both of whom have made the Penguins a special subject of study. 

Professor Hutton’s bird, which came from Campbell Island, was placed in the Otago Museum. In an 
example received there afterwards from Macquarie Island the upper parts are of a brighter blue, and the 
crest is pale golden yellow, scanty in character but fully three inches in length; the dark plumage does no 
advance upon the neck in the manner described above ; the bill is reddish brown in colour, and comparatively 
slender in form, measuring along the ridge 1-75 inch, and along the edge of lower mandible 2. 

There are two specimens in the Canterbury Museum. One of these (obtained in Akaroa harbour) 
has a small, narrow, pale yellow crest, which commences at the base of the upper mandible and curls over 
behind the ear-coverts ; the bill is very dark brown, paler towards the tip. The other (which was picked up 
on the Nine-mile Beach) presents only a narrow supraciliary line of yellow, with a very inconspicuous cres , 
and is presumably a younger bird. 


After a careful comparison of the fine series of specimens in the British Museum, as^ well as those 
in the Natural-History Museum at the Jardin cles Plantes, I have come to the conclusion that Prof. 
Hutton’s Eudyptes Jilholi (from Campbell Island) is the same as Mr. Sharpe’s E. saltator from 
Kerguelen Island, and that the latter again is identical with the true E. chrysocome of the Falkland 
Islands. The more common New-Zealand bird, which I described in my former edition under the 
name of Eudyptes chrysocomus, is undoubtedly distinct ; and to this species I have accordingly restored 

Mr. G. E. Gray’s very appropriate name of E. pachyrhynchus. 

In their account of the birds collected by the ‘Challenger’ Expedition, Messrs. Sclater and Salvin 

say ; “ Why Mr. Sharpe should liave referred Eudyptes chrysoloplms (Sclater and Abbott) of the 

Falklands to Eudyptes saltator we cannot understand, nor can we appreciate the characters by which 

he separates his Eudyptes saltator and Eudyptes chrysocome The type-specimen of Eudyptes 

diadematus, Gould, for which we have made every enquiry, is unfortunately no longer to be found. 
Mr. Gould has parted with it, he knows not whither. It was prohably only an individual variety of 


this species.” 

Sir Wyville Thomson, in the ‘Voyage of the Challenger’ (p. 167), gives the following inter- 
esting account of this Penguin as observed by him at Tristan d’Acunha We were close under 
Inaccessible Island, the second in size of the little group. The ship was surrounded by multitudes 
of Penguins, and as few of us had had any previous personal acquaintance with this eccentric form o 
life, we followed their movements with great interest. The Penguin, as a rule, swims under water, 
rising now and then and resting on the surface, like one of the ordinary water-birds, but more 
frequently with its body entirely covered, and only lifting its head from time to time to breathe 
One peculiarity surprised us greatly, for although we were tolerably familiar with the literature of 
the family, we had never seen it described. ‘ Kock-hoppers ’ (and I am inclined to think species of 
other genera besides Eudyptes), when in a number in the water, have a constant habit of closing 
together, the legs and tail straight out, laying the wings flat to the sides, arching forward the neck, 
and apparently by an action of the muscles of the back, springing forwards clear out of the water, 
showing a steel-grey back and a silvery belly like a grilse. They rise in this way in lines like a school 
of porpoises, seemingly in play, and when they are thus disporting themselves it is leally very difficu t 


to believe that one is not watching a shoal of fish pursued by enemies. 

“ In the water Penguins are usually silent, but now and then one raises its head and emits a 

curious prolonged croak, startlingly like one of the deeper tones of the human loice. One raiely 

2 P 2 


292 


observes it in the daylight, and in the midst of other noises ; but at night it is weird enough, and the 
lonely officer of the middle watch, whose thoughts may have wandered for the moment from the 
imminent iceberg back to some more genial memory, is often pulled up with a start by that gruff 
‘ whaat ’ alongside in the darkness, close below the bridge.” 

And again (at p. 179): — “ Beyond the garden the tussock grass of the Tristan group [Spartina 
arundinacea) forms a dense jungle. The root-clumps or ‘ tussocks ’ are two or three feet in width and 
about a foot high, and the spaces between them one or two feet wide. The tuft of thick grass-stems 
(seven or eight feet in height) rises strong and straight for a yard or so, and then the culms separate 
from one another and mingle with those of the neighbouring tussocks. This makes a bush very difficult 
to make one’s way through, for the heads of grass are closely entangled together on a level with the 
face and chest. In this scrub one of the Crested Penguins, probably Eudyptes chrysocome, called 
by the natives in common with other species of the genus Eudyptes ‘ Bock Hoppers,’ has established a 
rookery. From a great distance, even so far as the hut, or the ship, one could hear an incessant noise 
like the barking of a myriad of dogs in all possible keys, and as we came near the place bands of Penguins 
were seen constantly going and returning between the rookery and the sea. All at once, out at sea, a 
hundred yards or so from the shore, the water in seen in motion, a dark red beak and sometimes a pair 
of eyes appearing now and then for a moment above the surface. The moving water approaches the 
shore in a wedge-shape, and with great rapidity a band of perhaps from three to four hundred 
Penguins scramble out upon the stones, again exchanging the vigorous and graceful movements and 
attitudes for which they are so remarkable while in the water, for helpless and ungainly ones, 
tumbling over the stones, and apparently with difficulty assuming their normal position, upright on 
their feet, which are set far back, and with their fin-like wings hanging in a useless kind of way at 
their sides. When they have got fairly out of the water, beyond the reach of the surf, they stand 
together for a few minutes, drying and dressing themselves and talking loudly, apparently congratu- 
lating themselves on their safe landing, and then they scramble in a body over the stony beach, many 
falling and pulling themselves up again with the help of their flippers on the way, and make straight 
for one particular gangway into the scrub, along which they waddle in regular order up to the 
rookery. In the meantime a group of about equal number appear from the rookery at the end of 
another of the paths. When they get out of the grass on to the beach they all stop and talk and 
look about them, sometimes for three or four minutes. They then with one consent scuttle down 
over the stones into the water and long lines of ripple, radiating rapidly from their place of departure, 
are the only indications that the birds are speeding out to sea. The tussock-brake, which in 
Inaccessible Island is perhaps four or five acres in extent, was alive with Penguins breeding. [This 
was in the latter part of October.] The nests are built of the stems and leaves of the Spartina in the 
spaces between the tussocks. They are two or three inches high, with a slight depression for the 
eggs, and about a foot in diameter. The gangways between the tussocks, along which Penguins are 
constantly passing, are wet and slushy, and the tangled grass, the strong ammoniacal smell, and the 
deafening noise, continually penetrated by loud separate sounds which have a startling resemblance 
to the human voice, make a walk through the rookery neither easy nor pleasant. 

“ The Penguin is thickly covered with the closest felting of down and feathers, except a longitu- 
dinal band, which in the female extends along the middle line of the lower part of the abdomen, and 
which, at all events in the breeding-season, is without feathers. The bird seats herself almost uprio-ht 
upon the eggs, supported by the feet and the stiff feathers of the tail, the feathers of the abdomen 
drawn apart, and the naked band directly applied to the eggs, doubtless with the object of bringing 
them into immediate contact with the source of warmth. The female and the male sit by turns; but 
the featherless space, if present, is not nearly so marked in the male. When they shift quarters they 
sidle-up close together, and the change is made so rapidly that the eggs are scarcely uncovered for a 


293 


moment. The young, which are hatched in about six weeks, are curious-looking little things covered 
with black down. There seems to be little doubt that Penguins properly belong to the sea, which 
they inhabit within moderate distance of the shore, and they only come to the land to breed and moult 
and for the young to develop sufficiently to become independent. But all this takes so long that the 
birds are practically the greater part of their time about the shore. We have seen no reason as 
yet to question the old notion that their presence is an indication that land is not far off.’ 

Mr. Howard Saunders writes: — “Two eggs ascribed to this species differ considerably in size, the 
larger measuring 2‘7 inches by 2, the other 2'4 inches by 1'65. The colour is very pale blue, with a 
white calcareous coating irregularly disposed over the surface. In shape they are somewhat pointed 
at one end.” An egg of this Penguin from Campbell Island is very broadly ovoid, or inclining to 
spheroid, and measures 2‘75 inches in length by 2'25 in breadth ; white, with a greenish tinge (which 
is absent in some), and much smeared over with chalky matter. Another which I measured was a 
quarter of an inch shorter and proportionately less in size, with a creamy white shell having a roughened 
chalky surface. 



Penguins at Home. (See p. 288.) 


Oedee IMPENNES.] 


EUDYPTES ANTIPODEM. 

(YELLOW-CKOWNED PENGUIN.) 


[Eam. SPHENISCID.^. 


Catarrhactes antipodes, Hombr. & Jacq. Ann. Sci. Nat. xvi. p, 520 (1841). 

Eudyptes antipodes. Gray, in DiefF. Trav. ii., App. p. 199 (1843). 

Aptenodytes flavilarvata, Peale, U.S. Expl. Exp. p. 260 (1848). 

Pyqoscelis antipodes, Hombr. & Jacq. Voy. Pole Sud, Zool. iii. p. 156, pi. 33. fig. 2 (1853). 
Pygoscelis antipoda, Bonap. C. P. xlii. p. 775 (1856). 

Eudyptes antipoda, Cass. U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 351 (1858). 

Spheniscus antipoda, Schleg. Mus. Pays-Bas, JJrinatores, p. 9 (1866). 


Ad. suprk obscure cyanescens, nigro minute varius ; ala saturatiore, margine carpali anguste, margine apicali latius 
flavicaute : subtiis argentescenti-albus, pectoris lateribus dorso concoloribus ; pilei plumis rigidis, pilosis, 
pallide sulphureis, nigro medialiter lineatis : supercdio latonucliam cingente pallidb sulphureo : genis anticis 
pallide sulpbureis nigro lineatis : facie reliqu^ et collo superiore laterali gulaque brunneis, li4c multo 
pallidiore : rostro obscure brunnescenti-aurantiaco : pedibus saturate brunneis. 

Adult male. Top and sides of the head, cheeks, and towards the base of lower mandible pale sulphvu’-yellow, the 
feathers of the forehead and crown lengthened, and having a shaft-streak of glossy black ; general upper 
surface of the body, as well as the sides of the breast and thighs, dull blue, with a streak of black down the 
centre of each feather ; upper surface of flippers bluish black, the outer edges yellowish white ; region of 
the ears, throat, and upper sides of neck pale fulvous brown ; fore neck, breast, and the rest of the under- 
parts yellowish white ; tail-feathers bluish black. Bill dull brownish orange; legs and feet dark brown. 
Total length 32 inches ; length of flipper 7'5 ; tail 3 ; bill, along the ridge 2'5, along the edge of lower 
mandible 3 ; tarsus 1'5 ; middle toe and claw 3’5. 

Obs. A specimen of the male bird in my collection from Campbell Island, and now figured, has the black shaft- 
lines on the vertex broader, the dark colour predominating, with an outer and well-defined band of pale 
yellow, which is continued, although in a narrower form, through the eyes to the angles of the mouth, 
forming a sort of coronal hood, the feathers composing which are glossy and of a silky texture. The yellow 
on the lower sides of the cheek is marked with minute black shaft-lines; and the fulvous brown of the throat 
and sides of the upper fore neck has a darker edge separating it from the white, the latter forming a rounded 
apex in front about three inches below the angle of the lower mandible. The underparts are white, with a 
very decided gloss. 

Another adult male from Campbell Island, which I had an opportunity of examining in the Otago 
Museum, has a beautiful head, the coronal region being pale lemon-yellow, pencilled on the vertex and 
crown with black; cheeks washed with yellow; chin and sides of the neck pale brown, shading into the 
light blue which covers the nape and lower sides of the neck ; hind neck, back, and general upper surface 
bright blue with thick black shaft-lines ; inner margin of flippers and the whole of the under surface satiny 
white. The white of the fore neck extends upwards to within an inch and a half of the bill, where it meets 
the pale brown colour and forms a rounded outline. Irides said to have been bright yellow. 

Adult female. As large as the male, but with the entire plumage less conspicuous. The vertex and crown are 
only slightly washed with yellow, the dark shaft-lines being less pronounced on that account, hut extending 
further back and covering the whole crown, there being no indication of the coronal circlet described above. 
The plumage of the upper parts is chiefly a dingy brown with a faint wash of blue on the outer edges of the 
feathers, this colour being of a much lighter tint than in the other sex. Upper surface of flippers dull bluish 



YELLOW- CROWNED PENGUIN. 

EUDYPTES ANTIPODUM. 


BLACK PENGUIN 

E UDYPTES ATRATUS. 


(ONE-THIRD NATURAL SIZE.) 



■t. 

i 

i 


.i 




) 


i 






295 


brown. There is no appearance of yellow on the cheeks, but both here and on the throat the fulvous browm 
fades away into the white, the rounded apical margin presented by the male being wholly obliterated. On 
the cheeks each feather has an extremely minute central mark of brown, giving a somewhat stippled 
appearance to the plumage of these parts. Underparts glossy white. 

Obs. The bird from which the above description is taken has the claws much blunted and worn, indicating 
maturity, and the tail-feathers abraded to mere shafts, like strips of elastic whalebone (the middle ones to 
the length of three inches), denoting, as I think, an adult female at the close of the breeding-season. In 
both sexes the bill appears to have been originally of a dull brownish orange, darker on the ridge and in the 
terminal part of the lower mandible. 

Young. The white of the fore neck extends right up to the bill and spreads on to the face ; there is a broad 
mark of brown behind the eyes and on the sides of the upper neck ; the coronal band is absent, but there is 
a tinge of yellow on the vertex, with some indistinct pencilled markings of brown. 


The above description of the adult male, which appeared in my first edition, was taken from a fine 
specimen in the British Museum. At that period there was only a single example known in the 
Colony — an immature specimen obtained at Oamaru on the east coast of the South Island. Nume* 
rous individuals have since been taken, but in every instance further south. The description of the 
female is from one obtained at Cape Campbell and presented to me by Mr. Eobson, who also forwarded 
a pair to the Colonial Museum. There is an example from Akaroa in the Canterbury Museum ; and 
the young bird described above was captured near Dunedin in December 1873, and is now preserved 
in the Otago Museum. 

The egg is broadly ovoido-conical, measuring 2'85 inches in length by IT 5 in breadth, creamy- 
white and having a roughish surface with a thin chalky covering. I have two before me, and in one 
the outline is slightly pyriform ; in other respects they are alike. Both specimens were collected 
on Campbell Island. 

Mr. Percy Seymour, who is a very zealous oologist, has favoured me with the following notes : — 

» At Otago Peninsula, on the 9th November, I found a nest of this species containing two eggs, 
on which the female bird was sitting. The eggs were white, and uniform in shape and size, measuring 
2-95 inches by 2T6. The nest consisted of a mere platform of sticks, about 18 inches in diameter, and 
was situated at the foot of a leaning tree in thick bush, on a steep ascent from a sandy beach. The 
birds in their journeys to and from the beach had made a beaten track up the hill, on which the 
marks of their claws were plainly perceptible in the soft clay. Two other nests, found on the same 
occasion, also contained two eggs each, resembling in appearance and size those described above, but 
I did not get an opportunity to measure them. The nests were constructed principally of coarse 
grass, on a ledge at the foot of a small clitf near the water. 

“ Another nest had been found on the 26th of October in the same locality under a log. It 
contained two fresh eggs, measuring 2'75 inches by 2T. 

“ I visited the beach again on the 9th of August in the year following, and found, near an old 
nest, two young birds, both males. They were fully feathered, but still had a little down about their 
plumage. There were plenty of footprints of the birds on the track leading up the hill, but all the 
tracks on the sandy beach below high-water mark pointed seawards, showing that the birds, at that 
time of the year, came ashore only at night and left again in the morning.” 


Oedeb IMPENNES.] 


[Eam. SPHENISCID^. 


ETIDYPTES ATEATES. 

(BLACK PENGUIN.) 


Eudyptes atrata, Hutton, Ibis, 1875, p. 114. 

jid. onmino nigricans : dorsi plumis cyanesceute medialiter lineatis ; subtus pallidior, pliiniis cyanescenti-griseo 
medialiter obscure lineatis : supercilio distincto a naribus ducto et pileum marginante, postice conspicue 
brunneo : rostro rufescenti-brunneo : pedibus nigris. 

Adult. General plumage black, but a different shade of colour observable on the upper and lower surfaces, and 
this is produced in the following manner : on the upper parts each feather has a central stripe of dark blue, 
which deepens almost to black on the head ; on the underparts each feather has the centre bluish grey ; 
over the entire surface of the body the feathers are black save as to this narrow median stripe ; an obscure 
patch of yellow commencing at the angle of the upper mandible passes over the eyes, and then widening 
develops into a crest immediately beyond, the occipital plumes being pale golden yellow and two inches in 
length ; flippers black, with obscure bluish points on the feathers ; tail entirely black ; bill uniform reddish 
brown; legs and feet black; claws dark brown. Total length (approximate measurement) 27 inches; wing 
or flipper 6‘5 ; tail 4'5 ; bill, along the ridge 2'5, along the edge of lower mandible to gape 3 ; expanse of 
foot 2 ; middle toe and claw 3. 

This remarkable Penguin, so conspicuously different in its coloration from all other known members 
of the genus, was obtained from the Snares, a group of sea-girt rocks lying about sixty miles to the 
south-west of Stewart’s Island. 

Apart from its black plumage it may be distinguished by its powerful bill, the peculiar form of 
its crests, and the long, stiff tail-feathers. 

There is only one known example, and this belongs to the fine collection of birds in the Otago 
Museum. I have to thank Prof. Parker for allowing me to bring this unique specimen to England, 
in order to figure it in the present work. 

The black coloration of its under surface separates this form from all the other known species, and 
its massive deep bill, its very small hind toe, and long tail afford other distinguishing characters. In 
size it somewhat exceeds the well-known Crested Penguin {Eudyptes fachyrhjncJms). 


Oeder IMPENNES.] 


[Eam. SPHENISCID^. 


EIJDYPTES CHEYSOLOPHUS. 

(THE MACAEONI PENGUIN.) 


Eudyptes chrysolophus, Brandt, Bull. Acad. Sc. Pet. ii. p. 314 (1837). 

Eudyptes clirysocome, Abbott, Ibis, 1860, p. 337 (nec Forst.). 

Eudyptes chrysolophus, Sclater, Ibis, I860, pp. 338, 432. 

Eudyptes diadeinatus, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. I860, p. 419. 

Eudyptes chrysolophus, Scl. & Salv. Proc. Zool. Soc. 1878, p. 654*. 

Ad. supr^ nigricans cinereo lavatus, alis cinereo nigricantibus, margme alari summa vix albicante, margine 
remigiali medialiter albo : caudd rigid&, dorso concolore : facie laterali guMque dorso concoloribus : pilei 
plumis nitidis nigris elongatis cristam formantibus, frontis plumis basaliter aurantiacis : fascia superciliari 
cristali a loris supra oculum per latera capitis ducta : corpore reliquo subtbs pure albo, pectoris lateribus 
dorso concoloribus : aid subtbs alba, margine alari nigricante, plaga nigricante etiam prope ortum ate et ad 
apicem remigialem posita : rostro rufescenti-brunneo : pedibus albicanti-carneis, unguibus nigricantibus. 

Adult. Forehead and crown blue-black j across the vertex an inconspicuous band of yellow, the base of each 
feather being of that eolour and the apical portion bluish black ; over the eyes the yellow increases and 
develops into a supraorbital crest of extremely narrow feathers of bright canary-yellow, about an inch and 
a half in length j nape, hind neck, and general upper surface bluish black, each feather having a median 
stripe of dark blue j sides of face, throat, and upper part of fore neck bluish grey, becoming paler down- 
wards, and terminating in a tapering projection, both flanks of which as well as all the underparts of the body 
are pure white ; under surface of flippers white, wdth a band of slaty black along the exterior edge, and a 
mark of the same colour near the tip. Bill dark reddish brown ; feet paler brown (probably flesh-colour in 
the fresh bird) ; claws pale brown. Total length (approximately) 2G inehes ; length of flipper 7-75 ; bill,, 
along the ridge 2’5, along the edge of lower mandible 2'75 ; maximum depth of bill 1 ; tail too much broken 
for reliable measurement; tarsus 1'50; middle toe and claw 3'25 (the claw being 1). 

Obs. The extent of the crest and the richness of its colouring vary in different individuals. In most examples 
I have seen from other localities there is a small white patch over the tail ; but this is absent in the two 
New-Zealand specimens mentioned below'. 

Note. Eudyptes chrysolophus was first included in the New-Zealand avifauna by Dr. Otto Pinsch, who did so,, 
with some hesitation, on the authority of a label in the Leyden Museum. 


Of this fine Penguin I have seen only two examples in New Zealand. One of these is in the Otago 
Museum, having been obtained somewhere on the east coast ; the other was caught in a fishing-net at 
the Spit, near Napier, in the summer of 1880-81. It was brought ashore alive, and having after- 
wards died was very successfully mounted by the local taxidermist, Mr. Hooper. I believe it is now 
in the possession of Messrs. Nelson Brothers of I'omoana. 

* “ On comparison of the Kerguelen specimens of this Penguin with others from the Ealklands we find no reason for con 
sidering them otherwise than of the same species. There is, however, less appearance of the white upper tail-coverts in the 
Ealklands specimen.” (Scl. & Salv. Voy. Chalk, Zool. Birds, p. 127.) 


2q 


VOL. II. 


Order IMPENNES.] 


[Fam. SPHENISCEDiE. 


ETIDYPTES SCHLEGELI. 

(ROYAL PENGUIN.) 


Spheniscus diadematus, Schl. indiv. No. 3 in Mus. P.-B. TJrinatores, p. 9 (1867, nec Gould). 
Eudyptes schlegeli, Finsch, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. viii. p. 204 (1876). 

Eudyptes schlegeli, Buller, Man. Birds of N. Z. p. 100 (1882). 

Ad. similis E. chrysolopho, sed major et crista pilei majore et splendidiore aure^ : facie laterali gutture et prse- 
pectore albis. 

Adult. Similar in plumage to Eudyptes chrysolophus, except in having a rich frontal band of yellow, and the 
cheeks, sides of the head, and throat white, instead of being slaty black. The crest springs from the fore- 
head and spreads outwards, the colour being bright golden or canary -yellow, mixed with black ; the long 
plumes measure two inches and are entirely yellow, the shorter ones are black towards the tips ; surroimding 
the upper mandible there is a narrow band of sulphur-yellow which extends to and fills the lores ; and on 
the fore neck there is a slight wash of grey. The bill, which is even more robust than in E. chrysolophus, 
is of a uniform reddish-brown colour. Total length 29 inches ; length of flipper 6‘5 ; tail 5 ; bill, along the 
ridge 2'4, along the edge of lower mandible 2'75 ; tarsus 1 ; middle toe and claw 3. 

Obs. There is a somewhat interesting specimen in the Otago Museum. It is in a moulting state, and the old 
plumage is peeling off the body like a reversed glove ; the wing-plumage, which is thick-set, is coming off 
in flakes, disclosing an imbricated surface beneath. Although marked $ ,it is probably a female bird, as 
there is far less yellow on the coronal region, the vertex being almost entirely black, the brighter colour 
showing itself only in narrow streaks on both sides of the crest. There is an ashy wash on the face, and 
the bill is almost black. 


There are two examples of this fine Penguin from Macquarie Island in the Otago Museum ; and at 
a meeting of the Otago Institute in October 1877, Professor Hutton exhibited a specimen which had 
been obtained by the late Mr. Kobert Gillies at Brighton, near Dunedin, in March of that year. 

Prof. Schlegel’s bird is said to have come from New Zealand, but only on the authority of a 
dealer (Parzudaky) ; but Dr. Finsch’s type, in the Leyden Museum, is from Macquarie Island. 

There are two eggs of this species in the Otago Museum, also from Macquarie Island. One of 
these is ovoi do-conical, whilst the other is more pyriform ; the former measures 3 '25 inches in length 
by 2 '4 in breadth, and the latter with a similar length has a greater width by one eighth of an inch. 
Originally white they are now more or less discoloured, and the surface of the shell is somewhat 
granulated but without any papillae. 


Order IMPENNES.] 


[Fam. SPHENISCID^. 


EUDYPTES VITTATUS. 

(THICK-BILLED PENGUIN.) 


1 Aptenodytes papua, Vieill, (nee Forst. nec Gmel.), Gal. Ois. ii. p. 246 (nec diagn.), tab. 299 
(1834). 

Eudyptes vittata, Finsch, Ibis, 1875, p. 112. 

Ad. STiprk obscure cyanescenti-niger, ala saturatibs brunnescente : subtbs omniuo albus : facie laterali et prse- 
pectore brunnescentibus : supercilio distincto lato occiput cingente albido : rostro rufesceuti-bruuneo ; 
pedibus rufescentibus, membranis interdigitalibus nigricantibus. 

Adult. Crown, sides of the head, face, chin, hind neck, and the rest of the upper surface dark brown, inclining 
more or less to blue ; from the base of the upper mandible, in a line with the nostrils, a streak of yellowish 
white passes oyer the eyes, and widening in its course encircles the crown ; but there is no elongation of the 
feathers or any appearance of a crest j the flippers are dull blackish brown on their upper surface, and white 
underneath, with similar dark markings to those which distinguish Eudyptes pachyrhynchus. Bill reddish 
brown; legs and feet pale brown, the elaws darker. Total length 26 inches; length of flipper 6; tail 1'5 ; 
bill, along the ridge 2, along the edge of lower mandible 2‘2 ; tarsus 1 ; middle toe and claw 3. 

Note. Of this species Dr. Finsch writes (Ibis, 1873, pp. 113, 114) : — “ Captain Hutton suggests that this may 
be Latham’s ‘ Red-footed Penguin ’ (Gen. Syn. iii. p. 572) , but without reason, as a careful examination of 
the synonymy shows that Latham’s description is based on ‘ the Penguin’ of Edwards (t. 49 et t. 94, head 
on right hand), as is also ‘Aptenodytes catarractes’ of Forster (Comm. Soc. Reg. Getting, iii. 1781, p. 145) 
and Gmelin (Linn. Syst. Nat. ii. p. 558), and ‘Phaeton demersus’ of Linnd (S. N. p. 219), and Brisson’s 
‘ Catarractes ’ (Ornith. iv. p. 102). All these descriptions are simply derived from Edwards’s figure, which 
represents a bird the existence of which, in my opinion, will ever remain doubtful, being very likely based 
on a made-up bird. I do not understand how G. R. Gray (Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 98) and Schlegel (Mus. P.-B. 
Urinat. p. 8) could identify Edwards’s inaccurate figure with E. chrysocoma, Forst. and Gmelin (Pinguinaria 
cristata, Shaw), even supposing it to be the young bird, without tuft — as Edwards’s figure, besides other 
inaecuracies, shows a bird with Mergus-\\^& legs, the tarsus being longer than the middle toe. E. vittatus, 
if indeed a true Eudyptes, is easily distinguished from all other members of the Penguin group by its broad 
white superciliary streak, which runs from the base of bill to the back of head, but which does not 
consist of elongated feathers. A close examination of all the existing representatives of Penguins leads me 
to the belief that very probably to this new species belongs the figure of a Penguin which Vieillot erroneously 
published under the name of ‘Aptenodytes papua’ {1. c.), but which is not the well-known species of 
Sonnerat, Forster, and Gmelin, which Mr. Sclater, from the unfitness of the name, proposed to call Pygo- 
scelis wagleri (P.Z. S. 1861, p. 47). To judge from Vieillot’s figure and the French description (not the 
Latin diagnosis, which relates to the tme papua), the bird very much resembles our E. vittatus, especially in 
having the white superciliary streak, which runs to the oeciput.” 


The type specimen of this Penguin is in the Otago Museum ; but there is a much finer example in 
the Canterbury Museum, in which the colours are brighter, the coronal band more conspicuous, and 
the bill appreciably thicker. 

I take it that this is a male bird, and that the one described above (which has been courteously 
forwarded to England by Professor Parker, for my examination) is a female in old and faded 
breeding-plumage. 

2q2 


Okdek IMPENNES.] 


[Fam. SPHENISCID^. 


EUDYPTULA MINOR 

(BLUE PENCJUIN.) 


Little Penguin, Lath. Gen. Syn. hi. pt. 2, p. 572, pi. chi. (1785). 
Aptenodyfa minor, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 558 (1788, ex Lath.). 
Catarrhactes minor, Cuv. Regn. An. i. p. 513 (1817). 

Chrysocoma minor, Steph. Gen. Zool. xih. p. 61 (1825). 
Spheniscus minor. Gray, in Dieff. Trav. h., App. p. 199 (1843). 
Aptenodytes minor, Forst. Descr. An. p. 101 (1844). 

Eudyptula minor, Bonap. C. K. xlh. p. 775 (1856). 

Eudyptila minor. Gray, Hand-1, of B. hi. p. 99 (1871). 
Eudyptula albosignata, Finsch, P. Z. S. 1874, p. 207. 

Native name. — Korora. 


Ad. suprk obscure cyanescens : subtus argentescenti-albus : facie laterali brunnescente lavata : ala sordide cinerei, 
albo marginatd et latius apicatd ; rostro cyanescenti-cano, culmine saturatiore : pedibus carneo-albidis, mem- 
branis interdigitalibus brunnescenti-nigris : iride flavicanti-canS,. 

Adult. Crown of the head, hind part of neck, and all the upper surface, as well as the thighs, light blue, with a 
black line down the centre of each feather j sides of the head dark grey ; throat, fore neck, and all the under- 
parts silvery white ; upper surface of flippers black, tinged with blue, and margined with white along the 
inner edges ; under surface yellowish white, with a dark grey spot near the extremity. Irides yellowish 
grey, with a brownish margin; hill bluish grey, darker on the ridge; feet flesh- white, the soles, webs, 
and claws brownish black. Total length 19 inches ; extent of flippers 14 ; length of flipper 5 ; bill, along the 
ridge 1‘75, along the edge of lower mandible 2; tarsus 1 ; middle toe and claw 2‘5. 

Nestling. In the downy condition the young are blackish brown on the upper and white on the under surface ; hut 
they assume the adult colours before leaving the nest. 

Remarks. I have already stated * my reasons for considering Eudyptula albosignata a mere variety of Eudyptula 
minor, but Dr. Finsch still believes in its validity as a species. The only differences pointed out by the 
learned doctor are : a patch of white on the upper tail-coverts, and a strongly marked peculiarity in the 
coloration of the flippers. These characters appear to me wholly insufiicient, and I feel sure that on 
examination of a series of specimens Dr. Finsch would himself relinquish the species. The white marking 
on the wing is certainly peculiar, but it has an indeterminate character, and I find that in recognized 
examples of E. minor there is a tendency for the white to spread on the inner margin. In the type of 
E. albosignata it expands upwards at the flexure and forms a square patch about three quarters of an inch 
in extent, but on its further edge there is a broken connection with the broad white hand which forms the 
outer margin of the wing. In another specimen I find a similar white mark, but only one third the size of 
the former, and very broadly separated from the white margin above. In ordinary examples of E. minor 
there is merely a notch in the blue at the inner flexure of the wing and no extension of the white ; but this 
character is, in my opinion, too variable to be of any value whatever in the differentiation of allied species, 
and the white on the upper tail-coverts is obviously accidental. 


* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. vii. p. 210. 


301 


This species occurs all round our coasts, and resorts in large numbers to the Island of Kapiti, in 
Cook’s Strait, and probably to other islands of similar character, to breed and rear its young. It is 
abundant also in the seas surrounding Tasmania, in Bass’s Strait, and on the south coast of Australia 
generally. Mr. Gould found it breeding on the low islands in Bass’s Strait from September to 
January, and states that in these localities the ground is “ completely intersected by paths and avenues ; 
and so much care is expended by the birds in the formation of these little walks, that every stic an 
stone is removed, and in some instances even the herbage, by which the surface is rendered so neat 
and smooth as to appear more like the work of the human hand than the labour of one of the ow 

animals A considerable portion of the year is occupied in the process of breeding and rearing 

the young, in consequence of its being necessary that their progeny should acquire sufficient vigour to 
resist the raging of that element on which they are destined to dwell, and which I believe they never 
again leave until, by the impulse of nature, they in their turn seek the land for the purpose of reproduc- 
tion. Notwithstanding this care for the preservation of the young, heavy gales of wind destroy them 
in great numbers, hundreds being occasionally found dead on the beach after a storm , and when the 
sudden transition from the quiet of their breeding-place to the turbulence of the ocean, and the gieat 
activity and muscular exertion then required, are taken into consideration, an occurrence of this kind 
will not appear at all surprising. ... Its powers of progression in the deep are truly astonishing ; 
it bounds through this element like the porpoise, and uses its short fin-like wings as well as its feet to 
assist it in its progress; its swimming-powers are in fact so great that it stems the waves of the most 
turbulent seas with the utmost facility, and during the severest gale descends to the bottom, where 
among beautiful beds of coral and forests of sea-weed, it paddles about in search of crustaceans, sma 
fish, and marine vegetables, all of which kinds of food were found in the stomachs of those I dissected. 

I once had a live one in my possession for a considerable time ; and although very savage w en 
first taken, severely punishing the captor’s hands with its beak, it soon became quite tame, and ex i- 

bited, for such a bird, a remarkable degree of intelligence. 

On land its mode of progression is very ungainly, and it frequently topples over when attempting 
to run. Its usual attitude is an upright one, but it sometimes crouches low, with its breast nearly 
touching the ground. The sea, however, is its natural abode; and on observing its movements 
there it is at once manifest that the flippers are intended to perform the office of fins, or paddles, 
for propelling the body through the water. On the surface it swims low and in a rather clumsy 
fashion ; but the moment it dives under it trails its legs behind like a bird on the wing, and using 
its flippers in the manner indicated, glides forward with the same ease and freedom that the Sea 
Gull cleaves the air above it. In clear deep water I have watched its graceful evolutions wit 
considerable interest ; and I have been astonished at the length of time the bird could remain ® 
before rising to the surface to breathe. Whether it is nocturnal in its habits I am unable to say ; but 
I am inclined to think not, inasmuch as my captive bird seemed to be far less active after dar 
than during the day, and when disturbed appeared to stumble about in a very blind manner. 

It makes a loud croaking noise ; and where large companies are breeding together they appear 
to keep up a constant angry altercation. The eggs, which are usually two in number, are deposited in 
a shallow artificial burrow or in a natural crevice among the rocks. Occasionally, however, these 
burrows are of considerable depth ; and Keischek informs me that he traced one under the root o a 
tree, at Dusky Sound, for a distance of 12 feet. He also found the nests (often carefully lined wit 
leaves and grass) more than a mile from the sea-shore. Sometimes three or four birds aie oun 
associated ; and it is said that the sexes assist each other in the labour of incubation. The eggs are 
of a very rounded form, measuring 2’2 inches in length by 1’7 in breadth, greenish white origina y, 
but always much soiled or stained by the bird, and often smeared with a white chalky substance. 


Okder IMPENNES.] 


[Eam. SPHENISCID^. 


EUDYPTULA UNDINA. 

(LITTLE BLUE PENGUIN.) 


Aptenodytes undina, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1844, p, 57. 

SphenisGus undina, Gould, B. of Austr. vii. pi. 85 (1848). 

Eudyptula undina, Bonap. C. R. xlii. p. 775 (1856). 

Eudyptila undina. Gray, Hand-1, of B. iii. p. 99 (1871). 

Ad, similis E. minori, sed minor, et suprk dilutius et Isetitis cyanescens. 

Adult. Crown, nape, Lind neck, and all the upper parts bright glossy pale blue, the shafts of the feathers 
black; sides of the head bluish grey; throat, fore neck, and all the underparts pure silvery white; upper 
surface of flippers bright blue, each feather with a lanceolate mark of black down the centre ; along the 
inner edges of flippers a narrow band of white. Irides pale grey with a silvery edge to the pupil. Bill 
blackish brown, paler on the under mandible ; feet yellowish white, with black claws ; the webs and soles 
blackish brown. Total length 14' 5 inches; length of flipper 3; tail 1'25 ; bill, along the ridge 1‘25, along 
the edge of lower mandible 1‘5 ; tarsus "75 ; middle toe and claw 1'75; hind toe and claw ‘4. 

Young. I have obtained newly-fledged specimens from the nest, with the down adhering ; the colours were the 
same as in the adult, the blue on the upper surface being conspicuonsly bright. 

Nestling. Covered with thick short down, sooty brown on the upper and white on the under surface ; irides 
purplish grey. 

Obs. Like Eudyptula minor, this species assumes the full plumage from the nest, the blue on the upper surface 
being very bright. I have a specimen in that stage with remnants of down adhering. 


This Penguin is equally, if not more abundant on our coasts than the preceding one ; and the fore- 
going account is applicable to both species. 

Dr. Finsch refuses to admit any specific distinction. Dr. Coues also, in writing of Gould’s types 
in the Museum at Philadelphia, says : — “ These specimens are slightly smaller than average minor, 

bluer than usual, but not bluer than No. 1338, for example, and with rather weak bills 

I cannot distinguish these specimens even as a variety.” Mr. Gould, however, who originally 
described this bird, observes : — “ By many persons it might be regarded as the young of E. minor ; 
but I invariably found the young of that species, whilst still partially clothed in the downy dress of 
immaturity, to exceed considerably in size all the examples of this species, even when adorned in the 
adult livery, and possessing the hard bill of maturity ; there can be no question, therefore, of the two 
birds being distinct.” 

In support of my own view that this bird is specifically distinct from the preceding one, I have 
already published * figures of the bill in two selected examples, in order to show their relative pro- 
portions. These sketches were from specimens in the Colonial Museum, exhibiting the two extremes 
of size in a somewhat variable series. 

There is a fine mounted group of New-Zealand Penguins in the Canterbury Museum. The case 

* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. ix. pi. xv. 


303 


includes two nestlings of Eudyptula minor, with down still adhering to the plumage ; and in these 
young birds the bill is fully one third larger than that of an adult example of E. undina in the 
same group. 

On January 18th I visited the Rurima Rocks in the Bay of Plenty and dug out several of these 
Penguins from their deep subterranean burrows. One was an adult male, in perfect plumage, which 
bit savagely on being taken hold of and uttered a low growling note. After examining the bird I 
turned it loose, and it was amazing to see with what celerity he trundled over the stony beach and 
dived into the surf, not appearing again on the surface till he was well out at sea. In another hole I 
found an adult female with her plumage much faded and worn, indicating the close of the breeding- 
season, which probably commences about September. I found two nestlings of very unequal size, and 
covered with down, in a hole by themselves ; and the natives brought me another young bird in a 
more advanced state, having the bright plumage of the adult, but with a broad yoke of blackish down 
adhering to its shoulders, with a remnant also on the flippers. 

Many of the young of both this and the preceding species lose their lives, in the months of 
January and February, oAving to their inexperience in keeping ofi" a lee shore when the surf is 
breaking. They are cast ashore and perish on the sands, where I have counted a dozen in less than 
a mile’s walk. I found them particularly abundant on the open beach at Waeheke, in the exact spot 
where, in 1864, H.M.S. ‘ Harrier ’ pitched a shell into a retreating body of Ngatiporou warriors, 
killing their chief, Poihipi, with several of his followers, whose bodies were afterwards buried in the 
sand-hills near the spot where they fell. The encroachments of the sea have exposed the bones of 
these unfortunate braves, and they are now tossed about with the ebb and flow of the tide, just as 
remorselessly as the bodies of these little Penguins — victims of the pitiless storm and rolling surf. 

They swim and dive Avith great activity ; resting their bodies on the surface with the whole of 
the back exposed and the head raised they travel along at marvellous speed, diving under the moment 
any danger threatens. 

I have found this little Penguin far more tractable than the crested species (Eudyptes pachyrhyn- 
cJius), for under judicious management it will soon become perfectly tame. I have on several occasions 
endeavoured to keep the Crested Penguins alive, but I could never induce them to eat anything. A 
very fine one sulked in my aviary for a Avhole week Avithout, so far as I could discover, eating a morsel 
of anything. In the end, I had (adopting an Irishman’s expression) “ to save its life by killing it. 
This bird Avas sent to me by Captain Fairchild, of the Government steamboat ‘Hinemoa,’ who 
had captured it with many others in CasAvell Sound, where he found these Penguins breeding in 
the early part of September. He also presented me with six specimens of the egg, all collected by 
himself in that locality ; they Avere found under shelter of the rocks, and there were generally two, 
but sometimes three, in a nest. It was very amusing, he states, td watch the proceedings of the birds 
after their nests had been plundered. They Avere breeding in a colony and all close together. On 
strutting up to this breeding-place and finding their own eggs missing, they would deliberately com- 
mence to steal from their neighbours, pushing the eggs along the ground into their own nests with 
their bills, and appropriating them in the most methodical way. Major Mair s bird of the same 
species (mentioned on p. 288) would come up regularly at feeding-time and Avould make its wants 
knoAvn by a loud chuckle accompanied by a comical twisting of its neck. It had also a habit of 
Avaddling off to a duck-yard, a distance of a quarter of a mile, apparently for company, and then 
coming back at the usual time to be fed. 


Obdbb IMPENNES.] 


[Eam. SPHENISCIDiE. 


PYGOSCELIS* TJINIATIJS. 

(ROCK-HOPPER.) 


Le Manchot Papou, Sonn. Voy. N. Guin. p. 181, pi. cxv. (1776). 

Aptenoclytes ])a] 9 ua, Forst. N. Comm. Getting, iii. p. 140, pi. 3 (1781). 

Papuan Penguin, Lath. Gen. Syn. iii. pt. 2, p. 565 (1785). 

Aptevodita papuce. Scop. Del. Faun, et Flor. Insubr. ii. p. 91. no. 71 (1786). 

Chrysocoma papua, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. p. 59 (1825). 

Pygoscelis fapua. Gray, List Anseres B. M. p. 153 (1844). 

Eudyptes papua. Gray, Gen. of Birds, iii. p. 641 (1849). 

Aptenodytes tceniata, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 264 (1848). 

Pygoscelis wagleri, Sclater, Ibis, 1860, p. 390. 

Spheniscus papua, Schl. Mus. P.-B. Urinatores, p. 5 (1867). 

Pygosceles tceniata. Cones, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. 1872, p. 195. 

Pygoscelis toeniatus, Scl. & Salv. Proc. Zool. Soc. 1878, p. 653. 

Ad. supra nigricans vix cinereo lavatus : alls magis cinereis, margine alari conspicua et remigum apicibus fasciam 
terminalem latam formantibus albis : supracaudalibus rigidis, nigricantibus cinereo lavatis : rectricibus 
nigris, marginaliter brunnescentibus : fascia lata verticali alba ab utroque oculo per verticem ducta ; facie 
laterali et gutture cinerascentibus, gutturis pluinis albido variis : corpore reliquo subtus sericeo-albo : ala 
inferiore alba, remigibus extimis apicaliter cinereis plagam conspicuam exbibentibus : pectore subalari et 
plaga altera ad ortum alae posita einereis : rostro laete aurantiaeo, eulmine nigro : pedibus aurantiacis : 
iride Isete brunnea. 

Adult. Head and upper part of neck all round slaty black, excepting only a coronal band of white, extending 
from eye to eye, which is half an inch or more in width on the sides and narrows to a mere streak in the 
middle, with some scattered white feathers below it ; entire upper surface dull blue-black, more or less 
intermixed with brown ; on the side.s of the body, flanks, and upper tail-coverts the blue tinge deepens ; 
lower part of fore neck and entire under surface pure white ; flippers dull bluish black, largely margined 
on the inner edge with white, their under surfaee being also white with a conspicuous patch of blackish 
grey at the humeral flexure ; tail-feathers long, rigid, and dull bluish black with polished shafts. Bill 
reddish brown, changing to horn-colour at the tips ; legs reddish brown with black claws. Total length 39 
inches ; length of flipper 8-5 ; tail 6-35 j bill, along the ridge 3-35, along the edge of lower mandible 3-35 
tarsus 1 ; middle toe and claw 3’35. 

Young. Differs from the adult only in having the crown-mark narrower and washed with brown ; the line of 
demarcation on the throat less defined, being mixed with grey ; and the fore neck, as well as the wing-margin, 
more or less marked with brown. 

Obs. In none of the examples I have examined is the posterior edge of the coronal band regular or well-defined, 
but is broken, more or less, by small scattered spots which spread downwards towards the nape. 


In the Otago Museum there are two specimens (adult and young) obtained from Macquarie Island, 

* The genus Pygoscelis (established by Wagler in 1832) holds an intermediate position between Eudyptes and Aptenodytes,. 
and although not among the genera defined in my Introduction (pp. Ixi to Ixxxiv), I have found it necessary to employ it. 


305 


in December 1879. and this is my authority for including this Penguin among the birds of New 
Zealand. 

Its cry is said to resemble the short bark of the fox. 

Prof. Moseley states that in the stomachs of some he dissected at the Falkland Islands he found 
fish-bones, cuttlefish -beaks, and stones. 

The Rev. Mr. Eaton gives the following interesting account of its breeding-habits on Kerguelen 
Island ; — “ It builds in communities, some of only a dozen, others from i 0 to 150 families. A more 
populous colony upon the mainland was visited by six officers from the ships, who estimated the 
number of nests in it to amount to 2000 or more. These larger communities are approached from 
the sea by regular paths, conspicuous at a distance, like well-worn sheep-tracks, which lead straight 
up the hill from the water. Their formation is due to the Penguins being very particular about 
where they land and enter the sea. A small party of the birds occupied a position upon the neck of 
a low promontory within an hour’s walk of Obsei'vatory Bay. Their nests were nearest to the farther 
side of the isthmus ; but when they were approached the male birds used to run to the water, not by 
the shortest route wher'e it was deep close to the rocks, but by the longest to a place where the shore 
was shelving. It was amusing to see them start off in a troop as fast as their legs could carry them, 
holding out their wings and tumbling headlong over stones in their way, because as they ran they 
would keep looking back instead of before them, and to hear their oirtcries. Panic and consternation 
seemed to possess them all ; but the females (possibly because they could not keep up with their 
mates) seldom went far from their nests, and, if the intruder stood still, soon returned and settled 
down again upon their eggs. Not many weeks had passed before a change was effected in their 
conduct. The young were hatched, and now the mothers anxiously endeavoured to pei’suade them to 
follow the example of their fathers and run away to sea. But the nestlings preferred to stay in their 
nests; they did not mind if the stranger did stroke them; although their anxious mothers lan at him 
with open mouths whenever he dared to do so. Only a few of the older chicks could be prevailed 
upon to stir, and they after waddling a few yards became satisfied with their performance and turned 
to go home again. The mothers, who had straggled to a greater distance, began to return too. It 
was now that the more tardy youngsters began to experience the ills of life. Every Penguin that had 
reached its place before them aimed blows at them as they passed by towards their own abodes. One 
of the little birds certainly did seem to deserve correction. It saw its neighbour s nest empty and sat 
down in it. The old female Penguin, the rightful occupier, presently returned in company with hei 
own chick, to whom, having put her head well into his mouth, she began to administer refreshment 
after his run. Seeing them so pleasantly engaged, the small vagrant, thoughtlessly presuming on her 
generosity, went nearer and presented himself to be fed also, as if he had a right to her attention and 
care. She looked at him while he stood gaping before her with di’ooping wings, unable for the moment 
to credit what she saw. But suddenly the truth flashed upon her, and provoked by his consummate 
audacity she gave vent to her indignation, pecked his tongue as hard as she could, chased him out of 
the nest, darting blows at his back, and croaked ominously after him as he fled precipitately beyond 
the range of her beak, leaving trophies of down irpon the scene of his unfortunate adventure. 

The nests of this Penguin on Kerguelen Island were composed of dried leaf-stalks and seed-stems 
of PHnglea, together with such other suitable material as happened to be at hand, and they usually 
contained two eggs, one of them invariably larger than the other. 

Mr. Howard Saunders found a solitary egg of this species in the collection brought by the 
‘ Transit of V enus Expedition,’ and he describes it as being of a pale blue colour, thickly coated with 
calcareous matter, and measuring 2'5 inches by 2 inches. In the Otago Museum there are two eggs 
of this Penguin from Macquarie Island. One is almost spherical, the other slightly ovoid ; the former 
measures 2’4 inches in length by 2‘25 in breadth, and the more ovoid one 2’4 in length by 2T5 
in breadth ; they are perfectly white, except where they are soiled by external contact. 


VOL. n. 


Obbek IMPENNES.] 


[Eam. SPHENISCID^. 


APTENODYTES LONGIEOSTEIS. 

(KING PENGUIN.) 


Patagonian Penguin, Penn. Pliil. Trans. Iviii. p. 91, pi. 9 (1768). 

Le Manchot de la Nouvelle Guinee, Sonn. Voy. N. Guin. p. 180, pi. 113 (1776). 

Ajjferodita longirostris, Scop. Del. Faun, et Flor. Insubr. ii. p. 91, no. 69 (1786). 

Aptenodytes patachonica, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. p. 556 (1788). 

Pinguinaria patachonica, Shaw, Nat. Misc. xi. pi. 409 (1800). 

Aptenodytes pennantii. Gray, Ann. N. FI. 1844, p. 315. 

Spheniscus pennantii, Schl. Mus. P.-B. JJrinatofes, p. 3 (1867). 

Aptenodytes longirostris, Coues, Pr. Phil. Acad. 1872, p. 193 *. 

Ad. pileo guMque et facie lateral! nigris : collo postico tergoque pallide cyanescentihus, dorso et uro]3ygio saturati- 
oribus : plagd lata auvantiacd a regione parotica posticd per latcra colli angustante, et gulam nigram 
marginante : colli lateribus cyanescentihus, auticc late nigro marginatis ; jugulo medio aurantiaco : corpore 
rcliquo subttis omniuo seidceo-albus, pectoris lateribus dorso concoloribus : alis cinereis, remigibus 
seriatim cinereo terminatis, margine alaii summo nigricante: caudi nigra: rostro nigro, mandibulis rubes- 
centi-flavis, versus apicem nigricaiitibus : pedibus nigris. 

Adult male. Crown, sides of the bead, and throat jet-black; spatulatc spot on each side of hind head, line down 
the sides, and the upper part of fore neck deep golden yellow, fading gradually away on the lower part of 
fore neck ; hind neck and general upper surface pale blue, deepeniug on the back and rump, each feather 
with a dark centre ; underparts yellowish white. Prom the crown a narrow fringe of black separates the 
yellow already described from the blue of the nape, and, continuing downwards as far as the wings, spreads 
outwards till it is an inch in extent. Irides brown; bill black, the flattened sides of the lower mandible (up 
to within an inch and a half of its extremity) reddish yellow; feet and claw's black. Total length 36 inches ; 
length of flipper 11 ; tail 3'5 ; bill, along the ridge 3-5, along the edge of lower mandible 4 ; tarsus 2 ; middle 
toe and claw 4. 

Nestling. Covered with very dense fine down of a uniform yellowish-brown or dark buff colour in some, while 
in others it is many shades darker, or dull blackish brown. There is no difference in the appearance of the 
sexes at this stage. 

Obs. There is a specimen (from Macquarie Island) in the Otago Museum in which the colour on the fore neck 
is a vivid canary-yellow, fading off doAvnwards towards the breast ; the head and throat glossy black, so also 
is the line along the sides dividing the two colours ; the plumage of the back is a pale silvery blue ; bill 
black, sides of lower mandible bright yellowish brown; feet black ; irides represented as bright yellow. 

The specinaen of this noble Penguin in rny collection from which my description is taken was obtained 
on Stewart’s Island, where this bird is extremely rare. 

* “ Er. Coues, in his ‘ Monograph ’ of the Sjpheniscidce, revives Seopoli’s name for this species ; and in this I think he is 
justified, for, laying aside Grmelin’s title of pataelmiica, which confuses two species, the Apte.njodita of Scopoli (1. c.) seems to be 
the next in order of priority. It is founded on ‘ Le Manchot de la Nouvelle Guinee ’ of Sonnerat (Voy. N. G. p. 180, pi. 113), 
and although the figure in this plate is very had, representing the black on the throat as extending far down to the centre of the 
breast, the description quite agrees.” (Sharpe, App. Toy. Ereb. and Terr, birds, p. 38.) 

Cf, also Sclater, Ibis, 1888, p. 326. 


307 


Professor Moseley gives the following account (Voy. Chall., Zool. vol. ii. p. 123) of the breeding- 
habits of this Penguin at Marion Island in December 1883 : — 

“ Most interesting, however, by far amongst all rookeries of Penguins which I have seen was one 
of the King Penguins, which I met with a little further along the shore. The rookery was in a 
space of perfectly flat ground of about an acre in extent. It was divided into two irregular portions, 
a larger and smaller, by some grassy mounds. The flat space itself had a filthy black slimy surface, 
but the soil was trodden hard and flat. About two thirds of the space of one of the portions of the 
rookery, the larger one, was occupied by King Penguins, standing bolt upright, with their beaks 
upturned, side by side, as thick as they could pack, and jostling one another as one disturbed them. 

Penguins were to be seen coming from and going to the sea from the rookery, but singly, 
and not in companies like the Crested Penguins. The King Penguins when disturbed made a loud 
sound like ‘ urr-urr^irr: They run with their bodies held perfectly upright, getting over the ground 
pretty fast, and do not stop at all. A good many were in bad plumage, moulting, but there were 
plenty also in the finest plumage. On the small area of the rookery, which consisted of a flat space 
sheltered all round by grass slopes, and which formed a sort of bay amongst these, communicating 
with the larger area by two comparatively narrow passages, was the breeding-establishment. 

“ These birds are said by some observers to set apart regular separate spaces in their rookeries 
for moulting, for birds in clean plumage not breeding, and again for breeding-birds. Here the 
breeding-ground was quite separate, and the young and breeding-pairs were confined to this smaller 
sheltered area. This was the only King-Penguin rookery which I saw in full action.” 

The Pev. Mr. Eaton writes (Zool. Kerg. Isl. p. 153):-“ In December and January small parties 
of these Penguins come into sheltered inlets to moult, . . . There are so few land animals on 

Kerguelen Island that the unwonted sight of people walking never failed to attract the notice of^ the 
King Penguins. Standing at their ease in their sheltered hollows they uttered as it were derisive 
cries from time to time while the strangers laboured through the Jzorella. Seldom did they take the 
trouble to stir when anyone approached them, but remaining in a group, some standing still, others 
lying down, they quietly awaited the progress of events. Their unconsciousness of danger was singu- 
larly shown by the following incident. One day while grappling for Algce in Swain’s Bay, I came 
with one of the men upon six ‘ Kings ’ in a group. Seeing that some of them had finished moulting 
and were well coloured, we walked up to them, seized the two finest by their necks, and sat down 
upon their backs. The others stayed beside us unconcerned at the fate of their companions, though 
they were beating the ground beneath us with their wings and gasping for breath within a yard or so 
of them. ‘ What shall be will be ’ ; so they made themselves comfortable, and they were not 

molested.” 

The egg of this Penguin is of a remarkable shape, being perfectly pyriform. I have before me 
now two specimens from Macquarie Island. Both are alike in this respect, although one appears to 
have the apex a little more produced than the other. The more regular pear-shaped one measures 
exactly four inches in length by three inches in breadth, and is of a pale greenish white ; the shell is 
of close texture, with a roughened surface, the whole of it being covered with prominent papillae, 
which are larger and more thickly spread around the central circumference. The othei egg gives a 
measurement only one eighth of an inch shorter by one sixteenth narrower ; consequently the more 
produced appearance is due rather to shape than size. It likewise has a rough surface, but it wants 
the papillae, and the entire shell is stained and smudged to an unequal yellowish-brown colour. These 
eggs were collected on Macquarie Island on the 19th November, which fixes the bieeding-time of this 
Penguin. 


2 R 2 


Obder APTEEYGES.] 


[Yam. APTEEYGIDEE. 


APTEEYX BULLEEI. 


(NORTH-ISLAND KIWI.) 


Aj}teryx 

A])teryx 

Apteryx 

Apteryx 

Apteryx 


australis, Gould, B. of Austr. vi. pi. 2 (1848, nec Shaw). 

australis var. mantelli, Finsch, J. f. O. 1872, p. 263. 

mantelli, Buller, Birds of New Zealand, 1st ed. p. 358 (1873, nec Bartlett). 

mantelli, Sharpe, App. Voy. Ereb. and Terr. p. 36 (1875, nec Barth). 

lulleri, Sharpe, Proc. Well. Phil. Soc. p. 6 * (1888). 


Native names. — Kiwi and Kiwi-parure. 


Ad. rufescens: dorsi plumis rufescentibus ad basin pallidioribus, utrinque nigro marginatis, quasi striatis, soapis 
plumarum productis, duris : pileo et collo postico nigricanti-brunneis, plumis ad basin grisescentibus : fronte 
et facie laterali clariiis grisescentibus, ilia pallidiore : gutture sordide brunnescente : corpora reliquo subtus 
grisescenti-brunneo, plumis medialiter pallidioribus, quasi striolatis : corporis lateribus dorso concoloribus : 
Eostro albicanti-corneo : pedibus saturate brunneis : iride nigra. 

* Dr. Finsch, as far hack as 1871, wrote to me : — “ You are quite right in what you say about Bartlett’s Apteryx mantelli. 
This is, as I have aheady stated, by no means a species ; for aU the characters given by him are without value. I have examined 
about twenty specimens, from the South Island, and they aE belong to one and the same species. Bartlett was not, at the time 
he described his bird, aware of the great variation in the size of the two sexes, and in the scutellation of the tarsus also. Some- 
times the scutellation in one and the same bird is different in the two legs. In any case, his name of Apteryx mantelli cannot 
become ajjplied to the North Island bird, and will always remain a s}nionym of A. australis. The North Island bird, if it is in 
reality a distinct species, must have a new name ; and if satisfied with the characters, on an actual comparison of specimens 
from the North and South Islands, I propose to distinguish the northern species as Apteryx hulleriP 

As will be explained further on (sec p. 324), Dr. Finsch arrived at the conclusion that the two birds were inseparable. 
Holding strongly to the opposite view, I figured and described the North Island bird, in my former edition, under the name of 
Apteryx mantelli. 

Mr. Sharpe, after a close study of a complete series of specimens in my collection, has lately contributed a paper on this 
subject to the Wellington Philosophical Society (Z. c.), in which he says “ During a recent examination of some skins of 
Apteryges, in company with Sir Walter Buller, I became firmly convinced that the ordinary brown Apteryx of the North Island 
is certainly specifically distinct from the Apteryx aiistralis of the South Island ; and I was a little surprised to find, on going over 
the literature of the subject, that, notwithstanding a similar verdict on the part of such excellent naturalists as Sir James Hector, 
Sir Julius von Haast, Professor Hutton, Mr. Potts, and others, the North-Island bird has not yet received a distinctive name. 
It has generally been called by naturalists Apteryx mantelli of Bartlett, under which name it appeared in the first edition of 
Buller’s ‘ Birds of New Zealand,’ and it is the Apteryx australis var. mantelli of Finsch s paper in the Journal fiir Ornithologie ’ 
(1872, p. 263). The characters given by Mr. Bartlett for his Apteryx mantelli are founded on the natural variations of Apteryx 
australis, of which A. mantelli is a pure synonym, and the North Island Apteryx awaits a title. The pair of adult birds in Sir 
Walter Buller’s collection are relatively much smaller than the corresponding sexes of A. australis, and the colour is of a blackish 
brown instead of a tawny tint, while the curious harsh structure of the plumage, especially of the feathers of the rump and nape, 
is a further character of importance. 

“ It gives me groat pleasure to adopt a suggestion of my friend Dr. Finsch that the North Island Apteryx be called Apteryx 
hulleri, after the learned author of the ‘ Birds of New Zealand,’ a work which, in its first edition, seemed to mo to be as complete 
as it was possible to make a history of the birds of any single area uniil I saw the magnificent new edition on which Sir Walter 
Buller is now engaged, and on the completion of which I should think any one would find it difficult to W'rite anything more 
about the birds of New Zealand.” 


Judd 


.C.keulcmans del' a lith 


NORTH-ISLAND KIWI 

apteryx bulle ri . 

(two-fifths natural size) 




I 


i 


I 


309 


Adult. Headj neck, and fore part of breast dark greyish brown, the produced filaments of the feathers black, 
inclining to grey towards the base of the bill ; general plumage of the upper parts dark rufous streaked with 
blackish brown j lower part of breast, abdomen, and inner side of thighs pale greyish brown. The streaky 
appearance of the upper surface is produced by each feather having the centre pale rufous-brown, darker 
towards the tip, and the long hair-like filaments on both sides black ; the fiuffy basal portion of the feather 
is of a uniform light grey. The long straggling hairs or feelers which beset the fore part of the head and 
angles of the mouth are jet-black. Irides black; bill clear white horn-colour; tarsi and toes pure whitish 
or pale brown to dark brown ; claws blackish brown, that of the middle toe whitish towards the base. 

Male. Extreme length, following the curvature of the back 33 inches ; bill, along the ridge 4'25, along the edge 
of lower mandible 4-85; tarsus 3-75; inner toe and claw 3‘35 ; middle toe and claw 3'9; outer toe and 
claw 3'1 ; hallux or hind tarsal claw ’5. 

Female. Extreme length, following the curvature of the body, 37'5 inches ; bill, along the ridge 6, along the edge 
of lower mandible 6’6 ; tarsus 3'5 ; inner toe and claw 3’6 ; middle toe and claw 3’4 ; outer toe and claw 3'2 ; 
hallux or hind tarsal claw '75. 

Obs. As will be at once apparent from the above measurements, the male is considerably smaller than the 
female. It is moreover usually of a brighter rufous, inclining to chestnut-brown, although the tone of the 
colouring in different examples is somewhat variable. 

The males have pale brown legs and feet, sometimes whitish, and occasionally marked with blackish 
brown on the hind part of the tarsus. The females have occasionally the same, but generally their tarsi and 
toes are dark brown, and sometimes (in very old birds) uniform brownish black. 

Young male. A young male which I received from the Upper Wanganui, in October 1870, had the general tints 
of the plumage lighter than in the adult female, but not so bright as in ordinary examples of the adult 
male ; the sides of the head whitish grey, with a dark ear-spot ; the bill 3 inches long and of a white horn- 
colour ; tarsi in front and toes whitish or fiesh-eoloured ; the edges of the metatarsal scutella margined with 
pale brown, hind part of tarsi and soles darker, and the claws blackish brown. In this bird the feathers of 
the back were far less rigid than in the full-grown bird ; the rudimentary wings were furnished with a deli- 
cate sharp-pointed spur of an arched form, half an inch in length, brown in its basal portion and yellowish 
towards the tip. The tubes of the quills were extremely small, narrow, and fiexible, the feathery shaft being 
far more ample in proportion than in the adult bird. 

In another example of the young bird (in a more advanced condition, judging by the greater strength of 
the quills) the tarsi and toes were of a dark greyish-brown colour. 

Younger state. In the very young bird the plumage is soft and fluffy, and of a uniform dull blackish brown, with 
the rigid tips of the shafts and the prodneed hair-like filaments black ; paler or greyer on the head and 
throat. Bill shining ivory-white ; tarsi and toes delicate grey ; claws black, 

Obs. To show how much individuals of both sexes vary in size, I will give here the measurements of two fully 
adult birds captured by myself in the Pirongia ranges : — 

. Length (measured as above) 33 inches ; bill, along the ridge 3'75, along the edge of lower man- 
dible 4’35 ; tarsns 3'5 ; middle toe and claw 3. 

? . Length 25-35 inches ; bill, along the ridge 6-3, along the edge of lower mandible 5-75 ; tarsus 3-75 ; 
middle toe and claw 3-75. 

In the last-mentioned bird the plumage is in excellent order (in spite of the breeding-season, which is 
destructive to most specimens), and the legs and feet are of an almost uniform blackish brown, the scutella, 
which are very regular and distinct, having the centre somewhat lighter. 

Another female, from Kawhia, gives the following measurements : — Length 36 inches ; bill, along the 
ridge 5-5, along the edge of lower mandible G ; tarsus 3 ; middle toe and claw 3. 

Varieties. There is much individual variety in the shade of the plumage, some being of a lighter and brighter 
rufous-brown than others, and some being entirely blackish brown on the upper surface ; but on a general 
view the species is decidedly darker than Apteryx australis of the South Island. As mentioned above, the 


310 


male bird has light- coloured and the female dark-coloured legs and feetj but the rule in regard to the latter 
has its exceptions. It would seem that the older the female bird gets the darker become the extremities, 
and there is every reason to believe that the Kiwi, like other struthious birds, lives often to an extreme age. 

A specimen obtained by me on the Pirongia mountain, during a Kiwi-hunt fully described in the 
following pages, is deserving of special mention here. The natives called it a “ Kiwi-kura,” in allusion to 
the reddish hue of its plumage. Instead of being blackish brown or rufous brown like the rest, the whole 
of the body-plumage is of a uniform dull brick-red ; and, what is more remarkable still, instead of the 
plumage being thickset with narrow shaft-lines, the feathers are long, broad, and fluffy, but with numerous 
stiff filaments, thus jrreserving the distinctive character of Apteryx biilleri, as hereinafter explained. The 
face, chin, and upper part of the throat are greyish white ; tarsi and toes pale greyish brown ; claws greyish 
black with white ridges. The stomach contained hinau and taiko berries. On dissection it proved to be a 
male, the testes being largely developed. Extreme length, following the curvature of the back, 24 inches 
(to end of outstretched legs 30'75) ; bill, along the ridge 4, along the edge of lower mandible 4‘75 ; tarsus 
2'5; middle toe and claw 3. 

This very interesting specimen was found in a nest-burrow with turn young birds ; and, as might have been 
expected, these, instead of being almost black, like ordinary examples, were reddish brown with much softer 
plumage. One of these chicks afterwards made its escape ; the skin of the other (which proved on dissection 
to be a male) is in my collection. At the age of three umeks it gave the following measurements : — Length 
9'5 inches; bill, along the ridge 1'75, along the edge of lower mandible 2'25; tarsus L5; middle toe and 
claw 1’75. The frayed or open character of the plumage so conspicuous in the adult is likewise congenital. 

There was a somewhat similar bird to this (also a male) in the collection wdiich I presented some years 
ago to the Colonial Museum ; but in that example the colour was brighter and more inclined to chestnut. 

In Sir Kobert Herbert's collection of New-Zealand rarities at Ickleton there is a fine female 
specimen of Apteryx hulleri from the Pirongia Kanges, in which not only is the plumage darker than in 
ordinary examples, but the tarsi and toes are almost black. There is a similar specimen (likewise a female) 
in my own collection. These were the only black -legged examples out of some thirty adult birds examined 
by me from that locality ; but a male specimen from the Ilokianga district has the plumage even darker and 
the tarsi and toes perfectly black. A fourth example from the Kawhia district (an adult female), which I 
purchased alive from the natives, has the extremities brownish grey, with black borders to the well-marked 
scutella. This bird likewise differs from the typical form in having the bill dark brown on its upper surface 
from the base to the tip, with a tinge of the same colour on the lower mandible ; and the claws blackish 
brown with whitish or horn-coloured ridges. 

In the structure of the plumage also there is more or less variation observable. Some have the 
prickly character, owing to the rigidity of the produced shafts, more pronounced than others; and in 
some the plumage is thicker and longer than in others. In one of my specimens from Pirongia the 
plumage of the shoulders is so dense and long that it forms, as it were, an overhanging mantle. 

It is said that during one hunting-season (in 1885) the Taupo natives caught on the Kai-manawa 
Kanges no less than three hundred Kiwis, of which five were albinoes. One of these was brought in to 
Taupo alive, and was in Major Scannelks charge for about five weeks. Ultimately it came into the posses- 
sion of Mr. Thomas Morrin of Auckland, who forwarded it to the Zoological Society of Sydney. Major 
Scannell informs me that it was a veiy handsome bird, being snow-white in every part, even to the bill 
and legs ; and that, owing to the extreme softness of the plumage, the bird looked, when at rest, exactly 
like a ball of white wool. Soon after its capture it became quite tame and ate voraciously of earthworms, 
a quart measure of which would disappear in a day. It did not long survive its expatriation, and is now 
preserved in the Australian Museum. 

General Remarks. Although the head of the Apteryx is small, the neck is large and muscular. There is also a 
great development of muscle on the thighs; and the feet are strong and powerful, and armed with sharp 
claws. (In the adult female, of which the general measurements are given above, the circumference of 
the tibia in its largest part was 6-25 inches, of the tarsal joint 3-25, and of the tarsus 2.) The bill is 
broad at the base, then tapering, gently arched, and very much produced, with a slight enlargement at 
the tip, under which the nostrils are situated. The tongue is short and fiattened, very thin, but rigid in 
its anterior portion, with an even width of ’2 of an inch, and rounded at the extremity. The wings are 


311 


rudimentary^ and are entirely concealed by tbe plumage of the body : in a bird of the largest size the 
humerus measures only 2 inches^ and the cuhitus 1-25. At the extremity of the latter there is a slender 
claw or spur, like a twisted piece of wire in appearance, bluish black in colour, and varying in length from 
half an inch to I'l, being generally more largely developed in the female. The tubes of the quills in a full- 
grown specimen are 1-25 of an inch in length, and T of an inch in diameter in their thickest part. In the 
fully adult bird the scales covering the tarsi and toes are closely set with overlapping edges, and are perfectly 
smooth ; in the young they are soft and detached, presenting a reticulated surface. The feathers are lanceo- 
late and composed externally of long disunited harbs or filaments ; the downy portion towards the roots is 
very largely developed, and far exceeds in extent the exposed or hairy portion. They are destitute of the 
accessory plumule so highly developed in some of the struthious birds, for example in the Emu and Casso- 
wary ; but the basal or concealed portion of each feather is very fine and silky. Beyond the extremity of 
the barbs the shaft becomes more rigid, and on the upper and hind parts of the body it is produced to a 
sharp point. The development of this structure to such an extent as to render the plumage stiff" and harsh 
to the touch is the character which separates the present species from its near ally Apteryx australis. The 
fore part of the head and sides of the face are beset with straggling hairs or feelers, varying in length from 
1 to 6 inches, and perfectly black. 

A FULL and complete history of the remarkable wingless birds which, even to the present day, form 
the most distinctive feature in the avifauna of New Zealand, would necessarily fill a volume. As, 
however, the osteology and anatomy of these singular forms have already been exhaustively discussed 
by Professor Owen in several able ‘ Memoirs ’ published by the Zoological Society, I do not propose to 
touch on this part of the subject, but rather to confine myself to some account of their life-histoi y ; 
and as the habits of the several species of Apteryx at present known to us appear to be the same in 
almost every respect, I consider it sufficient for my present purpose to record the observations I have 
made on the bird inhabiting the North Island, an excellent portrait of which, from a living bird, is 
given on the foregoing Plate. 

Some six-and- twenty years ago, when residing at AVellington, I received, through the kind offices 
of INIr, Richard Woon, my first live specimens of the Apteryx. They were eight in number, mostly 
females, and all full-grown. Three of these birds having shortly afterwards died, I forwarded them 
in spirits to Professor Owen, to assist him in his examination of the anatomy of this anomalous form. 
The others remained in my possession for a considerable time ; and I was thus afforded a favourable 
opportunity of studying their peculiarities of structure and habit. In the letter forwarding them, 
Mr. Woon gave the following information : — “ They were caught by muzzled dogs in the bosky groves 
and marshes of the Upper Wanganui, at a place called Manganuioteao, about 100 miles from the 
mouth of the river. There are great numbers still to be found in this district. They go together in 
companies of from six to twelve, and make the country resound at night with their shrill cry. 

During my subsequent residence at Wanganui as Resident Magistrate, I had in my possession at 
various times no less than seventeen of these birds, of different ages, and all obtained from the same 
locality, which appears to be one of the last strongholds of the Apteryx in the North Island. In 
former years they were very abundant in the mountainous part of the Ilokianga district, north of 
Auckland ; but according to all accounts they are now comparatively scarce in that part of the country. 
To the present day they linger on some of the small islands in the gulf of Hauraki ; for although so 
singular a fact has often been called in question, resting as it apparently did on the mere assertion of 
the natives, the matter was placed beyond all dispute by Mr. T. Kirk, who obtained several himself 
on the Little Barrier. 

The natives whom I found camping at the foot of the Kaimanawa range in March 1887 assured 
me that the Kiwi was still very plentiful there. About a fortnight before the date of my visit (or 
end of February) they captured a female with a well-grown young one in a hollow log. It may be 
inferred therefrom that this species commences nesting about the beginning of January. 


312 


I cannot better illustrate the habits of this bird under confinement than by giving the following 
extracts from a notebook containing the record of my own observations from time to time. The first 
entry relates to a fine bird brought to me by a native from Ranana, who stated that he had taken it 
from a small natural cavity on the slope of the Mairehau hill, some fifty miles up the Wanganui 
river. 

“Oct. 1866. One of the inmates of my aviary at present is an adult female Kiwi, only recently 
captured. During the day it retires into a small dark chamber, where it remains coiled up in the 
form of a ball — and if disturbed or dislodged, moves drowsily about, and seeks the darkest corner of 
its prison, when it immediately rolls itself again into an attitude of repose. It appears to be blinded 
by the strong glare of sunlight ; and although it recovers itself in the shade, it can then only detect 
objects that are near. Night is the time of its activity; and the whole nature of the bird then 
undergoes a change : coming forth from its diurnal retreat full ot animation, it moves about the 
aviary unceasingly, tapping the walls with its long slender bill, and probing the ground in search of 
earthworms. The feeding of this bird at night with the large glow-worm (‘ toke-tipa’ of the natives) 
is a very interesting sight. This annelid, which often attains a length of 12, and sometimes 20 inches, 
with a proportionate thickness, emits at night a bright phosphoric light. The mucous matter which 
adheres to its body appears to be charged with the phosphorus ; and on its being disturbed or irritated 
the whole surface of the worm is illumined with a bright green light, sufiiciently strong to render 
adjacent objects distinctly visible. Seizing one of these large worms in its long mandibles, the Kiwi 
proceeds to kill it by striking it rapidly on the ground or against some hard object. During this 
operation the bird maybe clearly seen under the phosphoric light; and the slime which attaches 
itself to the hill and head renders these parts highly phosphorescent, so that, even after the luminous 
body itself has been swallowed, the actions of the bird are still visible. Thei'e is no longer the slow 
and half stupid movement of the head and neck ; but the bill is darted forward with a restless activity, 
and travels over the surface of the ground with a continued sniffing sound, as if the bird were guided 
more by scent than by sight in its search for food.” 

The subject of this notice having afterwards died, I sent the skeleton (skilfully prepared by the 
late Dr. Knox) to Professor Newton, of Cambridge ; and it still occupies a place of honour in the 
Universitv Museum. 

The next entry in my notebook refers to a purchase of eight from the Upper Wanganui natives 
in October 1870 : — “ The lot consists of two adult males, one young male, three adult females, and 
two young birds of doubtful sex. One of the females has the plumage very much faded and worn, 
resembling somewhat that of the Australian Emu, the tips of the feathers having, as it were, a 
weather-beaten appearance. The old birds are shy, always attempting to hide themselves from view, 
but very vicious when taken hold of : they struggle violently and utter a low growling note, accompanied 
by a vigorous striking movement of the feet. The young birds are particularly savage, and instead of 
running away they charge you in the most plucky manner, using their feet as weapons of offence : 
when provoked they manifest their anger by an audible snapping of the bill ; and at other times they 
emit a peculiar chuckle, not unlike that of a brood-hen when disturbed on her nest. I have only once 
heard these captives produce the loud whistling cry which is so familiar to the ear in the wild mountain- 
haunts of the Kiwi. The birds occupy at present an empty stall in my stable, and they find both conceal- 
ment andAvarmth by burying themselves in aheap of loose straw. During the day they remain coiled 
up in the form of an almost perfectly round ball, with the head and bill hidden beneath the dense hair- 
like plumage of the body. If hungry, however, they will sometimes wander about in a desultory 
manner, probing or touching ev'ery object with their bills. They often huddle together when at rest, 
lying one upon another like little pigs ; and when sound asleep no amount of noise will rouse them, 
On being thrust with a stick, or rudely wakened, they move about in a drowsy inert manner, and soon 


313 


relapse into a state of apparent lethargy. They have naturally a peculiar earthy smell ; and the place 
in which they are confined has acquired a very perceptible odour. On taking my dog to a spot in the 
garden where the Kiwis had been probing for worms on the previous day, he took up the scent very 
readily, and followed it without any check. I am informed by old Kiwi-hunters that the bird is 
easily ‘ brought to earth,’ and captured by dogs accustomed to the work, and that in former times a 
hundred or more have been taken in this way in the course of a single night. My birds have shown 
a preference for earthworms ; but they will also partake readily of minced liver, or pounded flesh of 
any sort. For the first few days of their captivity the old birds ate very sparingly of this new diet ; 
but the young ones were not so fastidious, eagerly devouring any thing that was offered them.” 

The Kiwi is in some measure compensated for the absence of wings by its swiftness of foot. 
When running it makes wide strides and carries the body in an oblique position, with the neck 
stretched to its full extent and inclined forwards. In the twilight it moves about cautiously and as 
noiselessly as a rat, to which, indeed, at this time it bears some outward resemblance. In a quiescent 
posture, the body generally assumes a perfectly rotund appearance; and it sometimes, but only rarely, 
supports itself by resting the point of its bill on tlie ground. It often yawns when disturbed in the 
daytime, gaping its mandibles in a very grotesque manner. When provoked it erects the body, and, 
raising the foot to the breast, strikes downwards with considerable force and rapidity, thus using its 
sharp and powerful claws as weapons of defence. The story of its striking the ground with its feet 
to bring the earthworms to the surface, which appears to have gained currency among naturalists, is 
as fanciful as the statement of a well-known author that it is capable of “ inflicting a dangerous blow, 
sometimes even killing a dog!” 

While hunting for its food the bird makes a continual sniffing sound through the nostrils, which 
are placed at the extremity of the upper mandible. Whether it is guided as much by touch as by 
smell I cannot safely say ; but it appears to me that both senses are called into action. That the 
sense of touch is highly developed seems quite certain, because the bird, although it may not be 
audibly sniffing, will always first touch an object with the point of its bill, whether in the act of 
feeding or of surveying the ground ; and when shut up in a cage or confined in a room it may be 
heard, all through the night, tapping softly at the walls. The sniffing sound to which I have referred 
is heard only when the Kiwi is in the act of feeding or hunting for food ; but I have sometimes 
observed the bird touching the ground close to or immediately round a worm which it had dropped 
without being able to And it. I have remarked, moreover, that the Kiwi will pick up a worm or piece 
of meat as readily from the bottom of a vessel filled with water as from the ground, never seizing it, 
however, till it has first touched it with its bill in the manner described. It is probable that, in 
addition to a highly developed olfactory power, there is a delicate nervous sensitiveness in the 
terminal enlargement of the upper mandible. It is interesting to watch the bird, in a state of 
freedom, foraging for worms, which constitute its principal food : it moves about with a slow action 
of the body ; and the long, flexible bill is driven into the soft ground, generally home to the very 
root, and is either immediately withdrawn with a worm held at the extreme tip of the mandibles, or 
it is gently moved to and fro, by an action of the head and neck, the body of the bird being perfectly 
steady. It is amusing to observe the extreme care and deliberation with which the bird draws the 
worm from its hiding-place, coaxing it out as it were by degrees, instead of pulling roughly or breaking 
it. On getting the worm fairly out of the ground, it throws up its head with a jerk, and swallows it 
whole. 

In preparing my specimens I was astonished at the toughness of the skin, even in the very young 
birds ; and the late Mr. Uav'son Rowley, writing of the dried skin, sent me the following interesting 

jjQ^e ; “ I have a portion of the skin of an adult male Apteryx before me ; this is so thick that a 

pair of light shoes might easily be made of it. In setting up these birds, the toughness of the skin 

VOL. II. 2 ® 


314 


is such that it can hardly be relaxed : water has little effect upon it. It resembles leather, and is 

more like the skin of a mammal than that of a bird.” 

From time to time live examples of the Apteryx have been received by the Zoological Society ; 
and the following notes by Mr. Bartlett, on the incubation of this biid in the “Gardens (B. Z. S. 
1868, p. 329), are worth quoting: — 

“ In 1851 Lieut.-Governor Eyre presented to the Society an Apteryx. This bird proved to he a 
female. In the year 1859 she laid her first egg, and has continued to lay one or two eggs every year 
since that time. In 1865 a male bird was presented by Henry Slade, Esq. During the last year 
these birds showed symptoms of a desire to pair. This was known by the loud calling of the male, 
which was answered by the female in a much lower and shorter note. They were particularly noisy 
during the night, but altogether silent in the daytime. Ou the 2nd January the first egg was laid, 
and for a day or more the female remained on the egg ; but as soon as she quitted the nest the male 
bird took to it, and remained constantly sitting. On the 7th of February the second egg was laid, 
the female leaving the nest as soon as the egg was deposited. The two birds now occupied the two 
opposite corners of the room in which they were kept, the male on the two eggs in the nest under 
the straw, the female concealed in her corner, also under a bundle of straw placed against the wall. 
During the time of incubation they ceased to call at night — in fact, were perfectly silent, and kept 
apart. I found the eggs in a hollow formed on the ground in the earth and straw, and placed 
lengthwise side by side. The male bird lay across them, his narrow body appealing not sufficiently 
broad to cover them in any other way; the ends of the eggs could be seen projecting fiom the side of 
the bird. The male continued to sit in the most persevering manner until the 25th April, at which 
time he was much exhausted, and left the nest. On examining the eggs I found no traces of young 
birds. Notwithstanding the failure of reproducing the Apteryx, I think sufficient has been witnessed 
to show that this bird’s mode of reproduction does not differ essentially from that of the allied 
struthious birds, in all cases of which, that have come under my observation, the male bird only sits. 

The enormous size of the Kiwi’s egg has often been the subject of speculation and comment ; 
for, till the fact was established beyond all question, it seemed almost impossible that the very large 
eggs occasionally brought in by the natives were the produce of this bird. In the spring of 1870 1 
had the pleasure of forwarding several live examples of the Apteryx to the Hamburgh Consul at 
Wellington, for transmission to the Zoological Society of Berlin ; and one of these afterwards fur- 
nished the subject of the following notice in the minutes of the Wellington Philosophical Society*: — 

“ Dr. Hector drew the attention of the meeting to an interesting specimen of an egg of the Kiwi 
taken in utero. He stated that the bird from which the specimen had been taken belonged to 
Mr. Krull, and had recently died. It had been presented to the Museum ; and on being skinned, it 
was found’ to contain a fully formed egg, the large size of which had evidently been the cause of the 
death of the bird. He considered the specimen unique and setting at rest all doubt as to whether 
the Kiwi really lays an egg so disproportionately large to the size of the body of the bird.” 

The period of gestation in this bird appears to be unusually protracted ; and one of my captives, 
for the space of forty days before extruding her egg, moved about with evident difficulty, being 
apparently unable to stand upright, resting the weight of the body on the heel of the tarsus, and 
w'alking in a staggering manner. She laid a very large egg on the 22nd March, recovered her full 
activity on the following day, moped on the next, and died on the 25th. 

Since the foregoing pages were written, for my former edition of this work, I have had an 
opportunity of seeing the Kiwi in its home, and of studying the natural history of the species in its 
wild state. 


* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. 1870, vol. iii. p. 73. 


315 


In October 1882 I was attending the Native Land Court at Cambridge professionally, and in 
order to enable the native tribes to attend a projected meeting between the Minister for Native 
Affairs and the “Maori King” at Whatiwhatihoe, I had applied to the Court for a week’s adjourn- 
ment, which was accordingly granted. This gave me the long-desired opportunity for a Kiwi-lmnt 
in the celebrated Pirongia ranges. Owing to our strained relations with the “ King party, no 
European had been admitted into this part of the country for many years. It was necessary there- 
fore to obtain King Tawhiao’s consent before starting on the expedition. This was readily obtained 
at a private interview with the old chief, who assured me that, owing to the long closure, “ the 
mountain was now full of Kiwis.” I then saw Keremeneta Ngataierua, a well-known Kiwi-huiffer 
and the owner of well-trained dogs, and made arrangements for an expedition on the morrow. is 
party had already been out and caught a few birds, bringing in also three chicks and an egg, con 
taining an embryo just ready for extrusion. I purchased the egg, and one of the women present then 
produced a newly-hatched chick from her bosom (where it was kept for warmth) and gave it to ine. 
This young bird seemed at first very weakly and on being turned loose in my room assumed t e 
posture shown in my sketch, and remained perfectly motionless till darkness came on, when it 
assumed quite a lively rd/e— running about the room and gently tapping with its bill, after tie 

manner of the old bird, as already described. i v.* 

After sketching the likeness of this defenceless chick (which proved to be a male) I sacrificed his 

little life on the sacred altar of science and made a pretty cabinet specimen of the skin (see woodcut 


^ At noon on Tuesday, Nov. 1, we had completed all our arrangements for a week’s sojourn in the 
bush and started, fully equipped, for a small kainga, about a mile from Alexandra, where we found 
our men and dogs awaiting us. The former consisted of an experienced Kiwi-hunter, Wiiemii Rihia 
by name, and two young natives who were to carry our provisions and make themselves general y 
useful. The dogs were small black mongrels, one of them having something of the colley in him. 
My companion was Mr. G. Lindauer, the well-known Austrian artist, who fully shared my enthusiasm 
about a Kiwi-hunt. Some little time was lost in arranging terras with the men and a tariff for the 
use of the dogs. The latter was ultimately fixed at five shillings for every adult Kiwi taken and 
something less for the young ones and eggs. It was 3 p.m. before we got fairly started on our expedi- 
tion. The central cone of Pirongia, which encloses an ancient volcanic crater, towers up to a height 
of 2800 feet above the level of the sea, and is clothed with dense vegetation to its very summit. The 
ascent commenced at once, and in less than an hour we had reached the site of the ancient 
Piromna pa, the earthworks of which were still distinctly traceable, indicating fortifications of a very 
formidable kind in the olden time. From this point we obtained a grand panoramic view of the 
Waikato lands— the theatre of the late war between the British troops and the Maoris, lasting over 
several years and costing much “blood and treasure.” Away to the right, standing up in bold re let 
ao-ainst the sky, was Kakepuku, in the form of a natural pyramid, and, in the distance beyond, the 
loner central range of Maungatautaii, marking the ancestral home of the Ngatiraukawa. Far 
down below us, winding through the plains and showing itself at intervals like a broad streak of 
molten silver, was the picturesque Waipa river, bounding the “King’s territory” and spanned, in 
the direct line of our view, by the new bridge leading to Whatiwhatihoe, recently opened by the 
Native Minister, and named by the king, in a symbolic way, Tawhara-kaiatua. Away to the extreme 
right looking hazy blue in the afternoon light, were the heights of Kangitoto, where, according to 
our native guides, there exists another Kiwi preserve ; and far beyond again could be seen the snow- 
clad tons of Tongariro and Ruapehu, the giants of the north. In the deep gullies around and in 
front of ns clumps of native bush in all its endless variety filled in the view, the evei-piesent tree eui 

with its lofty crown of spreading fronds being the predominant feature. Groves of these beautiful 

2 s 2 


316 


objects, and thousands of single ones scattered through the bush, render the landscape charactei’istic 
and picturesque. After a brief halt, our natives resumed their swags and we continued the ascent, 
arriving at Pukehoua, at the edge of the mountain-forest, in time to fix our little camp and cook the 
evening meal before the shades of night had closed in upon us. 

At daybreak one of the native attendants called me up to hear the rich flute-notes of the Kokako 
{Olaucopis wilsoni) in the low timber at the edge of the forest. I went after him with my gun, but 
owing to the thickness of the underwood I failed to find the bird. Leaving our camp at 6 a.m. we 
entered the dense bush and resumed our ascent of the range. Before we had gone far the dogs (each 
of whom carried a sheep-bell around his neck) took up the Kiwi scent and disappeared down a ravine, 
one of the natives dashing after them. He presently reappeared with a fine female Kiwi, which was 
immediately secured in a Maori ket. 1 returned with him to the spot and saw at once how utterly 
hopeless it would be to attempt Kiwi-catching without dogs. Near the bottom of a deep gully, 
completely choked up with the ground-kiekie {Freydnetia hanJcsii), so thick and luxuriant indeed 
that it was a matter of difficulty to push through it at all, down among the gnarled roots of a tawhero, 
and quite hidden by a growth of Asplenium bulhiferum and other ferns, was the entrance to the 
Kiwi’s retreat — a rounded and perfectly artificial entrance, just large enough to admit the hand. I 
inserted my arm to its full length and could just reach the extremity of the chamber, which spread 
laterally and widened at a little distance from the mouth. On getting back to the track on the ridge, 
the natives showed me another “ rua-kiwi,” from which they had, not long before, taken an adult 
Kiwi and an egg. This hole was in brown vegetable mould alongside a fallen tree, and the entrance 
was so perfectly round that I at once felt persuaded that the Kiwis, if they do not actually dig or 
burrow their holes with their well-armed feet, at any rate scrape and adapt them. Natural holes and 
cavities are so numerous, owing to the gnarled character of the roots, that the birds would have no 
difficulty in finding a cavity suitable for nesting-purposes, with the smallest possible labour in preparing 
it. But more about this anon. After a couple hours’ tramp through the bush we came to the 
place previously decided on for our camp and daily rendezvous. 

Our natives were not long in putt ing up a double shelter, in the form of an inverted V, with the 
apex open. A log fire occupied the space between, the opening in the roof permitting the smoke to 
escape. My friend and myself occupied one side and the natives the other. These bush huts, which 
are quite impervious to the rain, are very simply and rapidly constructed. First, a slanting framework 
of slender sticks cut from the adjoining woods is erected, and this is thatched on top and sides with 
the pliant leaves of the nikau palm [Areca saynda), the long fronds being skilfully interlaced together, 
and covered on the outside with a thick layer of tree-fern branches placed with the lower surface 
reversed, so as to prevent annoyance from the dusty seed-spores. 

Our camping-place was conveniently chosen, with ready access to firewood and water, besides 
being a very picturesque spot ; and as it may give some faint idea of the richness and surpassing 
loveliness of the New-Zealand “ Bush,” I shall endeavour to describe it. Behind and overshadowing 
us was a grove of fine tawa trees, their tops meeting so as to admit only a glimmering of the sun- 
light, and immediately beyond them, in striking contrast with the clear, upright boles of the former, 
a group of tawhero, their trunks covered from the ground upwards with a dense growth of climbing 
kiekie, spreading out its tufted arms in all directions. Right in front of us was a thick and almost 
impenetrable tangle of undergrowth, laced together with the kareao-vine, which hangs its wiry 
cables from the tree-tops above and twists and coils about among the underwood in every conceivable 
form. Then a little to the right and open to the light of heaven through a gap in the forest 
could be seen a lovely group of Cyathea medullaris, the stems of the largest being some forty feet in 
height, and in their very midst, touched by their waving fronds and leaning against a sturdy hinau, 
stood a withered, crownless trunk, covered with a thick profusion of epiphytic plants in every shade 


317 


of green, and forming with the tree-ferns a study that I was never tired of gazing upon from our open 
shelter. When broad daylight poured in upon us through the opening in the forest, or the slanting 
rays of the setting sun lighted up the feathery crowns of these majestic tree-ferns, casting the vegeta- 
tion below into deeper shade, the effect w'as simply enchanting. Then out of the tangle in front 
there rose a beautiful specimen of Cyatliea dealhata, its star-like crown, a perfect model of graceful 
symmetry, and its lofty stem draped with creeping kohia of brilliant green ; while, to heighten the 
general effect, there hung from a neighboui'ing tree festoons of the beautiful white clematis, just 
bursting into full bloom. Examined more in detail the surroundings of our little camp were full of 
interest. The whole ground was carpeted with mosses and ferns of all the commoner species, whilst 
a fallen log at our very feet presented on its damp surface a perfect garden of the curious kidney fern 
{Tricliomanes reniforme ) — tens of thousands of beairtiful ferns of vivid satiny-green crowding one 
upon another in endless profusion, intermingled with the delicate fronds of Ilyrnenophyllwn. Whilst 
we were engaged in camp preparations the native lad who had taken charge of the dogs came in 
with three fine Kiwis, caught in our vicinity, but unfortunately crushed to death, as the dogs were 
left unmuzzled. 

After having refreshed ourselves in the morning, we started on our first real Kiwi-hunt. We 
took a course down the side of the gully and were soon in a perfect labyrinth of supplejack {Rhipo- 
gonim scandens). These vines hung from the trees, ran along the ground, twisted around each other 
and crossed and recrossed, forming the most complete Chinese puzzle one could imagine, and so 
interlacing the underwood together that it was a matter of extreme difficulty to get through it even 
at a slow pace. Then when the little dogs took up the scent and disappeared down the gully it 
became necessary to follow quickly in the direction their bells indicated, so as to be “ in at the death ; 
and then the hunt became as exciting as it was difficult — the kareao catching the feet and tripping 
one up or sti'iking painfully across the shins — and so up and down, now swinging by a vine, now 
pushing on all fours through the tangle ; forcing one’s way through clumps of kiekie and dense beds 
of Lomaria down into the bottom of the ravine ; then, as the scent led upwards, following the tinkling 
bells (the dogs being out of sight) up the tangled slope again, the course sometimes forming a com- 
plete circuit of the “ field ” and representing the erratic wanderings of the Kiwi upon the feeding- 
ground the night before. Heated, out of breath, scratched in the face and hands, and with our shins 
aching from repeated contact with the kareao-vines, every now and then we halted to ascertain by the 
sound of the bells the position of the dogs, and then, full of excitement, resumed our novel chase 
again. At length, just beside a rough track on the hillside, our dogs ran their quarry to earth, and 
began to tear with their paws at the opening to the “ rua-kiwi.” Calling the dogs off and closing in 
upon the spot, we drew from the cavity a fine male Kiwi, and then two vigorous young birds, all 
unharmed but evidently much scared and striking boldly wdth their claws. Our captives were soon 
secured in a Maori ket and we sat down to rest for a short time before taking up the scent again. I 
put my arm far down into the cavity and found that although the rounded entrance was just large 
enough to admit the bird, the chamber opened out inside, extending diagonally to a depth of about 
two feet, and wide enough at the bottom for the accommodation of two full-grown birds. I drew out 
the nest-materials, consisting of shreds of kiekie-leaves and other dry litter, mixed with Kiwi- 
feathers. 

We had not to hunt long before we came upon another bird, a fine adult female and presumably 
the mate of the one we had just caught. She had taken refuge in a cavity under a rata-root and one 
of the dogs, having unfortunately slipped his muzzle, killed the bird by breaking her neck. Other 
captures followed and the aggregate result of the first day’s hunt was ten Kiwis, of all ages, and one 
splendid egg *. The ground traversed by us during this hunt and extending over many miles gave 

* For the information of collectors it may he mentioned that as soon as the bird is killed it is advisable to hang it np by 


318 


evidence everywhere of the presence of Kiwis by their borings in quest of food. These were very 
numerous in all suitable localities and were of all sizes, assuming in soft ground the appearance of 
deep funnels with a circular opening four inches or more in diameter, being thus formed by the 
rotatory action of the bill in its search for the hidden food. The ground seems admirably adapted 
for this purpose, consisting of a brown vegetable mould. It is easily worjsed, and, as I ascertained by 
digging, this earth teems wuth annelids and insect life, of various kinds. 

Not far from our camp there was an ancient rata tree— its age extending to many hundreds of 
years— its hollow trunk bound round with huge cables of aka, and holding in its hoary arms tons of 
Astelici and other parasitic plants. One of our natives set fiie to this tree near the base. The 
accumulation of dry vegetable substances soon ignited, and the flames ascended the hollow trunk with 
a roar like that from a steamer’s boiler. All day long this monarch of the forest burned fiercely, 
sendino- up a column of smoke visible many miles away on the Waikato plains. During the night we 
were all startled from our sleep by the fall of this burning tree, which came down with a terrific 
crash carrying everything before it. We had just time to turn out of our blankets and witness a 
“ display of fireworks ” compared with which the Crystal Palace exhibition is mere child’s play ! 

In the early part of the night w^e heard the shrill cry of a Kiwi — a prolonged whistle slightly 
ascending and descending (whence the native name) — and when it was sufficiently light our natives 
went out with the dogs and brought in an adult female and two young ones. These were found 
together in one hole. The mate was no doubt one of those obtained in the same locality on the 
previous day. 

Early next morning, accompanied by a native, I climbed to the summit of Piiongia piopei and 
had a magnificent view of the Upper Waikato, the day being beautifully clear and cloudless. The 
ascent is somewhat laborious owing to its steepness and the absence in many places of anything like a 
bush-track. Almost to the very summit of the peak we met with traces of the Kiwi in earth-borings 


of the kind already described ; but although we had one of the dogs with us, we did not find any 
birds in our track. My native companion was no doubt right in his statement that the Kiwi at night 
roams over these feeding-grounds, and returns on the approach of day to the shade of the gullies, 
where the light penetrates more feebly. All along this mountain-track and on the summit 1 found 
in great abundance the katoutou shrub with its bright green foliage and pretty tassels of crimson 
flower. The afternoon yielded two more adult males and two young ones, besides an egg just ready to 
be hatched. The succeeding morning was showery, and although the men made an early start they 
brought in about noon only two more adult birds (male and female) taken at different places, and two 
more'’young ones, the effect of the rain being to obliterate the scent and spoil the hunt. The weather 
havin<- now set in very wet and tempestuous we had to discontinue Kiwi-hunting and see to making 
our temporary shelter more secure, by an extra layer of kiekie thatch. The rain came down in 
torrents towards evening, but on the whole we found ourselves very comfortably housed. 

Our expedition lasted a week, with varying success each day according to the weather, the total 


result being forty Kiwis of all ages and nine eggs. 

We partook of the flesh of one of the Kiwis which the natives had boiled. It had the dark 

appearance of, and tasted very much like, tender beef. 

The first two birds (both females) killed by the dogs I dissected with the following result :— The 
stomach of one contained three wetas {Deinacrida tlioracica), ten huhii grubs, mostly of large size, 
several earthworms, and a small brown beetle which my son Percy afterwards identified as Cojdoinma 


the biU not the legs, otherwise the extremely fine network of blood-vessels towards the nostrils become surcharged, and the 
bill losing its whitish horn-colour, becomes first rosy and then dark brown. It is undesirable also to kill the bird by compres- 
sion, as the same result is apt to follow. I found a drop of prussic acid placed in the gullet the safest and most expeditious 

mode of treatment. 


319 


amtipeum-, also some berries of the mairi and taiko (well-knotvn forest trees) and a 
nearly as large as an ordinary marble, which proved to be the egg of the great earthworm toke-tipa. 
Before we had made out the last-named thing I handed it for examination to my companion, who 
pressed it between his finger and thumb, when it burst, sending a jet of milky fluid into my eye, 
causing much smarting and subsequent irritation. The stomach of the other bird contained, besiies 
insect-remains, a large number of the hard kernels of the taiko berry ; and it seems to me that these 
are swallowed by the Kiwi (in lieu of quartz pebbles, which are not to be found in every loca i y) 
assist the process of digestion. I have found similar kernels in the stomachs of Kiwis received horn 
the Upper Wanganui. Among the comminuted matter I was able to detect some very minute lanc- 
shells. In the stomach of another which I opened afterwards I found a number of angular pieces o 
pebble ; and others contained the hard kernels of pokaka, miro, mairi, and hinau berries. 

The adult birds when taken from their holes were perfectly mute, but endeavoured to wound 
with their sharply-armed feet and made a snapping noise with their bills. 1 soon found t^^t * e 
safest mode of holding them was suspended by the bill. They then only struggle vainly and strike 
the air with their feet ; but if their rumps are allowed to touch the ground, so as to give them 
leverage, then they strike with effect, as I was not long in discovering. A strong adult hire is 
capable of inflicting a nasty scratch with its sharp claws by a downward stroke; and one of our 
natives showed me some skin-wounds, long ugly scratches on his arms and legs, inflicted on 
previous day by a large Kiwi which he had followed into a sort of cavern at the edge of a s leai 

and captured with his hands. . , 

Judring by analogy and the fovm of the bird, 1 felt persuaded that the Krwr was a hnno, e, 

hut our native attendants all denied it. We had undoubted proof of it, however, before we had 
finished. For the safe custody of our captive birds we had constructed a commodious cage, consistiu 
of karcao-vines well arched over, with both ends driven firmly into the ground, then laced toge 
with native flax and covered over with fern-fronds to keep out the daylight. Ihe buds see. t 
perfectly at home at once and commenced to eat the mmeed-up fresh meat supplied to the. . 

L birds continued silent, but the young ones emitted now and then, and especially at night, a oi 
sound not unlike the whimpering of a new-born kitten. The cage contained seven fine adult birds 
four females and three males. To our dismay in the morning we discovered that all the foimer had 
made their escape during the night through a burrow which undermined the kareae-vinos and passed 
right under an adjacent log, a distance of some eighteen inches The three male birds we.e st. m 
the cage. 'It is evident that the females alone perform the work of digging and preparing the lUg 
although as will presently appear, they take no part whatever in the incubation of the eggs. All the 
:mcrens of this sex collLJ by us at this season had the plumage of fte back "P - “ 
snd worn as to be quite valueless as skins, and were accordingly reserved for skeletons. The males 
on the other hand, while having, in every instance, the abdomen denuded of feathers 
sitting generally presented a smooth and undamaged plumage. In further proof of this adu 
CaTe’s invariably had their claws blunted, as the result of their scraping or digging operations, 
whereas the other sex (except very old birds) had these weapons perfectly sharp. 

I have already described how some of onr captives effected their escape on the J-y 

tunnelling under their cage. We had further evidence, after our return to Cambridge, of 
en»ineering skill. One of my birds— not a Pirongia captive, but one caught by t e na ivcs m 
Kawhia district and the largest specimen of Apteryx hullm I had ever seen— was placed witi le 
rest in a vacant stable which had been previously secured all around the sides to pieveii nirowiii„. 
To my astonishment, however, in the morning, I found that “ Madam Jumbo ’ (as we had christened 
this tee Kiwi) had, during the night, forced aside a heavy packing-case, removed a oose scantling 
stud, ddibei-ately tunnelled a passage through the hard clay foundation, and escaped from er p ace 


320 


of confinement, taking one of her companions with her. They had disappeared in a deep fern-gully 
and we naturally thought we had seen the last of them. But the birds had been liberally fed during 
their imprisonment and this taste of civilization was sufficient, after a day’s absence, to bring them 
back again into the township. The following morning the male bird was found in the back-yard of a 
chemist’s shop, where he was causing consternation among the fowls, whilst Madam Jumbo deliber- 
ately marched up the hill into the Constabulary Barracks and made for the officers’ quarters, where 
she was overheard, at daybreak, patrolling the Captain’s verandah (tapping the boards gently with 
her bill), and was immediately “ put under arrest.” 

We kept some of these birds in confinement for a period of six months or more for the purpose 
of studying more closely their habits and peculiarities of character. Individuals were found to vary 
much in disposition. Some adapted themselves at once to their new surroundings and became 
perfectly tame and familiar ; others continued, to the last, w'ild and shy. One male in particular 
manifested a sulky temper : instead of running off with the rest to hide in a dark corner it would 
poise its body on its bill and feet and remain perfectly motionless till approached, when it would 
bristle up its feathers, stretch up its body, and strike forward with its feet, at the same time snapping 
audibly with its mandibles and uttering a Ioav growling note. The conduct of these birds was appre- 
ciably affected by their condition of health : a sickly bird was always restless during the day, and 
walked about in the sunlight in a desultory fashion ; whereas the healthy ones, on being brought to 
the light, would dart off to the nearest dark corner and endeavour to secrete themselves. The state 
of the weather seemed likewise to affect their spirits : on dark and wet nights they w^ere particularly 
active and noisy ; on moonlight nights they were generally silent. The cry consists of a short, shrill 
whistle, not so prolonged as that of the Woodhen, nor so sharp and clear. Usually the sexes cry in 
response, the male leading off with his shrill ki-i-wi-i, and his mate replying in a peculiar half whistle, 
half scream ; this is repeated four or five times in succession between the hours of 9 and 10, and the 
birds, as a rule, are silent for the rest of the night. Occasionally, and apparently when under excite- 
ment, they keep up these responsive calls for fifteen or twenty minutes without cessation. The young 
or hailf-grown birds also call to each other, the male in a thinner whistle and the female in a 
thick husky w'ay. These captive birds ate fresh meat, soaked bread, and boiled potato with avidity, 
and several of the young ones died of sheer obesity. 

My investigations on the spot enabled me to determine one important fact with certainty, namely, 
that, as with the Mooruk, the Cassowary, the Emu, and the Rhea (all of Avhich have bred in the 
Zoological Society’s Gardens), the male bird alone performs the labour of incubation, and takes upon 
himself the entire charge of the young till they are old enough to shift for themselves. There is 
indeed an equitable division of labour after the pairing has commenced. The female, without any 
■assistance from her mate, digs or scoops out a nesting-place, usually adapting to her requirements an 
existing hole or cavity in the ground, forms a rude nest and deposits her two eggs. Having done 
this she walks off and disclaims all further responsibility, abandoning her mate to his share of the 
parental duty, and (so the natives allege) immediately pairing with another male and forming a new 
nest elsewhere. 

The breeding-season evidently extends over a considerable period. Of the ten eggs collected by 
our party during the first week of November, nine contained well-developed chicks, some of them just 
ready for exclusion, and the tenth was perfectly fresh. The very young bird figured on page 326 and 
the egg purchased from the natives were taken from one hole, and the male bird was still sitting. 
From the condition of the chick, I judged that it undisturbed it would have been hatched out in 
another day or two ; it was alive and active when the shell was opened, although the egg had been 
out of the nest for several days. Some of the young birds taken by us were apparently about two 
months old. I think it probable that there are two broods in the season, inasmuch as one of our 


321 


adult birds contained in its ovary a large bunch of undeveloped eggs, up to the size of buck-shot, 
whilst, as stated on page 314, a recently captured bird which 1 had, many years ago, at Wanganui, 
produced a fully matured egg on the 22nd March. 

One of the nests found by us contained a young bird and an egg (an unusually large one, and 
from its white appearance evidently newdy laid), another contained a single young bird, and two 
others contained each two young ones. All of them, with a solitary exception, were active and strong, 
snapping angrily with their little bills and attempting to strike with their feet. The exception 
referred to could not have been hatched out very long because it was too weak to rirn, and, after the 
manner of young nestlings, had an abnormally large stomach. It is evident that the bird usually lays 
tw'o eggs ; occasionally, however, there is only one, and Mr. Cheeseman informs me of two well- 
authenticated instances of three eggs in the nest, one in the Waitakerei Eanges and the other at 
Raglan. In both cases the eggs were brought to the Auckland Museum and the fact vouched for to 
his satisfaction. 

The natives state that the Kiwi begins to lay in August, which is quite likely to be true, as the 
eggs must take a long period to incubate. It will be remembered that Mr. Bartlett’s bird (mentioned 
on page 314) sat on perseveringly from the beginning of January to the 25th of April, In further 
support of this view I may mention the following circumstance. Among the live birds brought from 
Pirongia was a female which appeared to be carrying a well-developed egg in the oviduct, inasmuch 
as it moved about with awkwardness and habitually rested on the tarsus horizontally as described at 
page 314. She was more untractable than the other birds, attacking the hand when approached, 
striking savagely forward with her feet, and uttering at the same time a low growl. This bird was killed 
by an accident about the middle of February following ; and on dissection I found a membranous egg, 
about two thirds the full size, the shell not having yet formed. In the ordinary course a fortnight 
would probably have elapsed before the exclusion of the egg for incubation. Again, among the birds 
captured by my party there were three young birds of the year ; that is to say, of such a size as to 
make it probable they had been hatched out about April or May. If the conclusion thus pointed to 
is the true one, the nesting-operations of the Kiwi must extend over a great portion of the year ; in 
which case its reproduction is not the least interesting feature in the natural history of this anomalous 
bird. In all the eggs I opened (save one freshly laid) there was enclosed with the well-developed 
feathered chick a tough membranous sac, connected with the embryo and containing several ounces 
of yellow fatty substance (vitellus). When all this adipose matter has been absorbed into its system, 
the chick, having in the meantime expanded to its full size, cracks its tabernacle and comes out into 
the world ready for active service. It is very soon able to forage for itself and increases rapidly 
in size, inasmuch as the young which I attempted to rear had more than doubled their size in six 
months. 

The eggs, which are broadly elliptical in form, vary somewhat in size. The largest of those 
collected by us measured 5-30 inches in length by 3-30 in breadth ; and the smallest 4-5 by 2-7. The 
latter weighed exactly IIJ ounces, being just four ounces less than the weight of our largest. Two 
other eggs of full size weighed respectively 14 oz. and 15 J oz. They vary likewise in form, some 
being more elliptical than others, whilst one in my possession is perfectly oval. Some are pure white 
when laid, others have a greenish-grey tint ; but owing to the long period of incubation they get much 
soiled by contact with the bird, and more especially its feet, the shell becoming a dirty yellowish- 
brown colour. This is easily washed off, by the application of a brush, in soap and cold water ; but I 
think it is necessary to do this whilst the egg is fresh, for there is a greasy matter on the surface 
which would no doubt make the discoloration permanent if allowed to become perfectly dry. The 
fresh egg on being emptied of its contents exhibited a delicate pink tint on the inner surface of the 
shell ; but this was absent in those containing chicks. 

2 T 


VOL. II. 


Oedee APTERYGES.] 


[Fam. APTEBYGID^. 


APTEEYX AUSTEALIS. 

(SOUTH-ISLAND KIWI.) 


Apteryx australis, Shaw and Nodder, Nat. Misc. xxiv. pis. 1057, 1058 (181o). 
Bromiceius novae zealandioe. Less. Man. d’Orn. ii. p. 210 (1828). 

Apteryx mantelli, Bartlett, P. Z. S. 1850, p. 275. 

Apteryx fusca, Potts, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. v. p. 196 (1873). 


Native names. — Kiwi and Tokoeka. 

Ad. similis A. bulleri, sed major, pallidior, et magis grisescens; tergo tantum vixcastaneo tincto : scapis plumarum 
baud conspicuis, itaque ptilosi molliore distinguendus. 

Adult. Differs from Apteryx bulleri in its larger size and in the lighter colour of its plumage, the feathers being 
of a sandy or greyish brown, with darker margins, those of the upper parts only slightly tinged near the 
tips with rufous. The plumage of the nape and back of the neck is less hairy ; and the feathers of the 
back and hind parts are destitute of the lengthened and stiffened points which characterize the othei 
species. 

Male. Total length, following the curvature of the back, 22 inches ; bill, along the ridge 3'75, along the edge 
of lower mandible 4‘1 ; rudimentary wing, to end of hook, 1; tarsus 2'25 ; middle toe and claw 3'5 ; 
hallux ’75. 

Female. Total length (measured as above) 27 inches ; bill, along the ridge 5‘5, along the edge of lower man- 
dible 5-8; rudimentary wing, to end of hook, 1-5; tarsus 3 ; middle toe and claw 3-75 j hallux '8. 

Obs. As a rule the South-Island birds are larger than those from the North Island ; but occasionally examples 
of Apteryx bulleri are met with fully equal in size to the largest specimens of Apteryx australis ; and this 
is therefore of little or no value as a specific character. It may be observed that in this species the long 
facial hairs or feelers are, generally speaking, far less abundant than in the North-Island Apteryx. 

Young. Has the head and hind neck dark grey, and the rest of the plumage greyish brown, lighter on the under- 
parts, each feather with a narrow streak of fulvous along the shaft; on the feathers of the upper parts this 
streak is darker towards the tip, and the terminal filaments are black, whereas on the underparts of the body 
both the tips and filaments are light brown or fulvous ; the bill, which measures two inches in length, is 
light horn-colour ; the legs and feet are light brown, the metatarsi being covered anteriorly with thin scales, 
scarcely definable to the eye. In this young eondition the quill-tubes are very minute, and the plumage of 
the hody is extremely soft to the touch- 

In the Rowley collection at Chichester House, Brighton, there is a specimen of the chick, apparently 
younger than that described above, and differing from it in the lighter tone of its plumage, especially on the 
upper parts. 

The nestling has a wing-claw of the same character as in the adult, although scarcely more than a 
decimal of an inch in length. 

Partial albino. In the Canterbury Museum there is a partial albino, in which the crown and sides of the head, 
the throat and the whole of the fore neck, and the front of the thighs are yellowish white. 


The first example of Apteryx oi which there is any record was obtained in New Zealand about the 
year 1813, by Captain Barclay, of the ship ‘ Providence,’ and afterwards deposited in the collection of 
the late Lord Derby. This bird was first described, under the above name, by Dr. Shaw (Nat. Misc. 

1. c.), and afterwards, at greater length, by Mr. Yarrell, in the ‘Transactions of the Zoological Society’ 
(vol. i. p. 71, pi. 10). On the 10th December, 1850, a series of specimens was exhibited before the 
Zoological Society of London, when Mr. Bartlett pointed out characters which, as he contended, 
established the existence of two species, hitherto confounded under the specific name of Apteryx 
australis. Mr. Bartlett stated, at this meeting, that an Apteryx belonging to the late Dr. Mantell 
having been placed in his hands by that gentleman, he had remarked its dissimilarity to ordinary 
examples, and that, after a careful comparison with a number of other specimens, he had come to the 
conclusion that it was a new species. On comparing Dr. Mantell’s bird, however, with the original speci- 
men in the Earl of Derby’s collection, he had found that they were identical. He accordingly referred 
his supposed new species to Apteryx australis, and distinguished the more common bird as Apteryx 
mantelli, for which he proposed the following characters : — “ its smaller size, its darker and more 
rufous colour, its longer tarsus, which is scutellated in front, its shorter toes and claws,, which are 
horn-coloured, its smaller wings, which have much stronger and thicker quills, and also its having 
long straggling hairs on the face ” (Proc. Zool. Soc. 1850, p. 276). 

In a paper read before the Wellington Philos oirhical Society on the 12th November, 1870*, I 
pointed out that the characters by which Mr. Bartlett had distinguished the species would not stand. 

I showed that the sexes differed from each other both in size and in the tone of their plumage, that 
the arrangement of the tarsal scutella differed according to age and other circumstances, that the 
peculiarity in the cubital quills was not a specific character, the “ soft slender quills ” indicating only 
immaturity, and that the length of the “straggling hairs on the face” varied in almost every indivi- 
dual. I stated further that an inspection of the drawings illustrative of the supposed specific 
distinctions (published by the Zoological Society) had only tended to confirm me in the opinion 
expressed above. 

After that paper was Avritten 1 had an opportunity of examining several fine series of South-Island 
Apteryges, and of comparing them with examples from the North Island; and I was then convinced 
that there are in reality two species of brown Afteryx, readily distinguishable from each other by a 
very remarkable difference in the structure of their plumage. In the South-Island Kiwi the feathers 
of the upper parts are soft and yielding when stroked against the grain, whereas in the North-Island 
bird, owing to a peculiarity in the structure of the shaft, they have stiffened points, and are harsh and 
prickly to the touch. This character (apart from a slight difference in the colour of the plumage) is 
constant in all the specimens I have examined ; and I have no hesitation in giving it a specific value. 
In this course I am supported by the unanimous opinion of several of the best ornithologists in 
England, to whom I have submitted specimens for examination. 

I take this opportunity of saying that the credit of this discovery belonged to the late Sir Julius 
von Haast, who, on receiving from me a North-Island bird for comparison with the specimens in the 
Canterbury Muserun, detected this structural difference in the plumage, and informed me of it long 
before I had an opportunity of verifying the fact for myself. 

Dr. Otto Finsch, however, has arrived at an opposite conclusion, although he seems to have 
practically conceded the point by admitting the North-Island Kiwi to the rank of a “ variety ” (i. e. 
Apteryx australis, var. mantelli) f. 

* Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. iii. pp. 37-56. 

t Since the publication of my first edition, I have examined numerous examples of both forms, and I have seen no reason 
to change or modify the views exjwessed above as to the specific value of the North-Island Kiwi, as compared with Apteryx 
australis of the South Island. It is desirable, however, to have the arguments on both sides stated fully, and I have therefore 

2 T 2 


324 


According to the now generally accepted view of what constitutes a “ species,” the amount of 
difference is quite immaterial, provided it be constant and readily distinguishable. If (as is certainly 
the case) all the known examples from the North Island are referable to “var. mantelli (Finsch),” 
then, for all practical purposes, the bird must be regarded as distinct, and is, I submit, as much 
entitled to recognition as any other species on our list. 


taken the trouble to translate, from the German, Dr. Finsch’s last published remarks on this subject in the ‘ Journal flir Orni- 
thologie,’ from which it will be seen that this naturalist is stiU opposed to the recognition of the H orth-Island bird as a distinct 
species ; — 

“ As hitherto I have had no opportunity of examining any reliable specimens from the North Island, it naturally was not 
possible for me to make sure about the value of certain characters. I am indebted now to the kindness of Dr. Duller for two 
specimens from the North Island, so that I am able to make a direct comparison of specimens from both islands. Desides the two 
specimens from the North Island, I have four old birds (two male and two female) and a young one from the South Island before 
me ; also an old one and a half-grown bird, without any definite locality— consequently a total of nine specimens in different stages 
and conditions of age and sex. To refer, in the first place, to the tinge of colour. I had, before this, opportunities of observing 
that in specimens from the South Island the colour is by no means constant, but on the contrary varies from greyish brown to 
rusty-red brown. The latter tone of colour, as is well known, is produced by the terminal third part of the feathers being of that 
shade. Each individual feather is coloured either dark brownish grey or brown, changing gradually towards the tip into rusty 
brown ; the single filaments or barbs of the feathers, which stand far apart from each other, terminate, however, in black hair- 
like tips, which impart to the whole plumage the peculiar bristle-like character. In this fundamental point of colouring the 
specimens from both islands absolutely agree, and the feathers which I have before me, and which have been carcfuUy pulled 
out, do not betray difterences of any kind. Only, as I have already said, the intensity of the rust-brown on the third part of 
the tip of each feather is sometimes stronger, sometimes feebler, and on this depends the general colouring of the specimen. One 
specimen from the North Island shows the same darker and of a more vivid rust-brown than examples from the South Island. It 
does not, however, appear quite so dark as a specimen in the Bremen collection, without a positively defined locality, of which I 
have already made mention. The other specimen from the North Island, however, so perfectly agrees, in regard to the rust-brown 
tone of colour, with specimens from the South Island that, in point of fact, not the slightest difference is observable. Conse- 
quently the tinge of colouring as a sjiecifie character must be considered as absolutely worthless. The case is different, however, 
in regard to the relative hardness or softness of the plumage, w'hioh is perceptible to the touch. I am in a position to confirm 
the statement that in general the specimens from the North Island possess more strongly developed feather-shafts, which project 
beyond the barbs in the shape of naked tips, and consequently appear more like bristles and have a harsher feel. This peculi- 
arity is very perceptible on stroking the feathers the wrong way, or on carefully feeling them ; but cannot be distinguished on 
stroking with the palm of the hand along or in the direction of the feathers. If stroked in this way even the most delicately 
sensitive hand would be unable to detect any difference at all between certain specimens from the North and South Islands 
respectively. It is worth mentioning here that on patting the plumage of Apteryx oweni (in the manner described) the same 
difference as compared with Apteryx australis becomes at once apparent. What has been said in regard to the relative hardness 
or softness due to the more or less pronounced development of the projecting naked shaft-tips, which differ again in Apteryx 
oweni, has reference moreover to the plumage of the upper side of the rump*. With that which covers the hind head and neck 
the case is different ; and hero perhaps might be found a single criterion, or distinguishing mark, which is appreciable not merely 
to tbe touch but also to the eye, and which might be considered as a sufficient specific character for the North-Island Apteryx. 
The feathers of the back of the head and the back of the neck have stronger and more projecting shafts, with the barbs composing 
the webs further apart and consequently less numerous. These hair-like barbs not only feel harder to the touch, but the longer 
and protruding hair-Hke filaments are quite apparent to the eye. This pecuharity I find borne out in all the specimens before 
me. It therefore one intends to acknowledge the Apteryx of the North Island as a distinct species, a distinguishing character 
could only be found in this visible difference of plumage on the hind head and back of neck. On the front and sides of the neck 
the peculiarity I have described is scarcely perceptible. Still, I do not venture as yet to set up this character as a constant one, 
as possibly there may be exceptions. Desides, this character alone docs not appear to me of sufficient importance to differentiate 
a species. In my judgment therefore, for the present, this Apteryx of the North Island is only a slightly deviating form of the 
known Apteryx australis. I doubt whether it will be possible to define with certainty specimens the origin of which is not 
warranted, without direct comparison in all cases.” 

Professor Huxley, in his ‘ Characters for Classification,’ notices the absence of continued shafts as characteristic of the genus 
Apteryx. The abnormal character of A. bulleri in this respect is very curious. 

Professor Parker has called my attention to another distinguishing feature, which appears to be constant : in Apteryx 
bulleri the claw on the wing is strongly curved and black; in A. australis it is less curved and whitish; in A. oiveni it is much 
smaller and lighter coloured. 


Professor Sir Richard Owen aptly remarks “ The Jptenjx presents such a singular and 
seemingly anomalous compound of characters belonging to different orders of Birds as may well make 
the naturalist pause before he ventures to pronounce against the possibility of a like combination of 
peculiarities in the historical Dodo. It seems, as it were, to have borrowed its head from the Longi- 
rostral Grallce, its legs from the Gallinw, and its wings from the struthious order. It is clothed with 
a plumage having the characteristic looseness of that of the terrestrial birds depiived of the powei of 
flight ; its feathers resemble those of the Emu in the general uniformity of their size, structure, and 
colour, hut they are more simple than in any of the tridactyle Struthionidce, as they want the acces- 
sory plumelet When the trunk is stripped of its plumage, the body of the Apteryx presents the 

form of an elongated cone gradually tapering forwards, from the broad base formed by the haunches 
to the extremity of the attenuated beak. The wings appear as two small crooked appendages project- 
ing about an inch and a half from the sides of the thorax, and terminated by a curved, obtuse, horny 
claw 3 lines long : the antibracMum is retained in a state of permanent flexion by the surrounding 
integument of the wing ; and it cannot be brought by forcible extension beyond an angle of 45° wRh 
the humerus. Nine quasi-quill-plumes, not exceeding in length the ordinary body-feathers, but with 
somewhat thicker shafts, are arranged in a linear series along the ulnar margin of the antibracMum , 
the terminal ones are the largest, and in one specimen they presented a structure differing from that 
of the ordinary plumes, consisting of a shaft from which radiated a series of flattened horny filaments 
of nearly equal length.” (Prof. Owen’s ‘ Memoir on Apteryx australis^ Trans. Z. S. ii. p. 267.) 

Professor Hutton, in his valuable essay on the “ Geographical Relations of the New Zealand 
Fauna” (Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. vi. p. 232), says “ The Apterygidw have a more generalized struc ture 
than the other struthious birds ; they, therefore, belong to an older type, and cannot, with any degree 
of correctness, be said to represent the extinct race of Moas.” And, again, in his review of my ‘ Birds 
of New Zealand’ (first edition) in the ‘ New-Zea land Magazine,’ p. 99, Professor Hutton says:— “ We 
must take exception to the Kiwi being considered as the living representative of the Moa, or, as 
Dr. Buller puts it in his preface, ‘ the only living representative of an extinct race. No doubt the 
Kiwi and the Moa have several features in common ; but it is certain that both the Emu and the 
Cassowary are far more nearly related to the Moa than is the Kiwi.” Professor Mivart has since read 
a paper before the Zoological Society of London on the axial skeleton of the Struthionidee, Avhich 
effectually settles the question at issue. He pointed out that, judging by the characters of the axial 
skeleton, the Emu presents the least differential type, from which Ehea diverges most on the one 
hand, and Apteryx on the other; that the resemblance between Bromoeus and Casuarinus is exceed- 
ingly close, while the axial skeleton of Binornis is intermediate between that of Casuarinus and 
Apteryx ; its affinities, however, with the existing New-Zcaland form very decidedly predominating. 

Still later. Professor Newton (in his article “ Ornithology ” in the ‘ Encyclox^sedia Britannica ’) 
thus referred to the subject “ Some systematists think there can be little question of the Struthi- 
ojies being the most specialized and therefore probably the highest type of these Oideis, and the 
present writer is rather inclined to agree with them. Nevertheless the formation of the bill in the 
Apteryges is quite irnique in the whole Class, and indicates therefore an extiaoidinaiy amount of 
specialization. Their functionless wings, however, point to their being a degraded form, though in 
this matter they are not much worse than the Megistanes, and are far above the Immanes some of 
which at least appear to have been absolutely wingless, and were thus the only members of the Class 
possessing but a single pair of limbs.” 

It will be seen, therefore, that I was fully justified in referring to the existing species of Apteryx 
as “ the diminutKe representatives of colossal ornithic types that have disappeared. 

An able paper communicated by Professor Huxley to the Zoological Society on June 2, 1882, 
contains some interesting information on the respiratory organs of Apteryx, from which I extract the 


326 


following : — “ The question whether Apteryx presents any real approximation to mammals in the 
structure of its breathing-apparatus is of considerable interest from its bearing upon the general 

problem of the affinities of birds to other groups of vertebrated animals. Having recently examined j 

a specimen of Apteryx (which, although it had been many years in spirit, was still in a very fair state 
of preservation) with reference to this point, I have come to the conclusion that its respiratory organs 

differ in no essential respect from those of other birds, though they exhibit those peculiarities which • 

are peculiar to and characteristic of the class Aves in a less developed condition than that which 

obtains in all those Carinatae and Eatitae which have been carefully studied The respiratory I 

organs of Apteryx are thoroughly ornithic, differing from those of other birds chiefly in the greater | 

width and smaller aggregate surface of the respiratory passages, in the rudimentary condition of the 

pneumatic sacs, and in the much greater strength of the pulmonary and septal aponeurotic expan- ' 

sions. Neither in Apteryx, nor in any other bird, has either of these the slightest real resemblance 
to a mammalian diaphragm. For, as has been seen, the heart lies altogether behind both, and the 
muscular digitations of the pulmonary aponeurosis are supplied by the intercostal nerves, the phrenic 

being absent. The vertical and oblique septa really answer to the fibrous tissue of the posterior and I 

middle mediastinum in mammals. In this, as in all other cases, the meaning of ornithic peculiarities 
of structure is to be sought, not in mammals, but in reptiles. It is only among reptiles that we meet 
with pneumatic bones similar to those of birds (Crocodilia, Pterosauria, Dinosauria), pulmonary air- 
sacs (Chamaeleonidae), and membranous expansions which are comparable to the septa in birds.” (Proc. 

Zool. Soc. 1882, pp. 560-568.) 

Comparatively few specimens of this species are now brought in by collectors in the South Island, 
whereas the supply of Apteryx oweni is undiminished ; and the conclusion is irresistible that Apteryx 
australis, perhaps the most interesting bird in the Southern Hemisphere, is fast becoming extinct. 

Mr. Eeischek informs me that on the 25th September he captured a male bird of this species 
sitting on a single fresh egg on a loose nest composed of grass and dry leaves under the shelter of a 
stone at an elevation of 2000 feet above the sea. The egg, unfortunately, got broken through the 
kicking of the bird when resisting capture. The sex was determined by dissection, and the bird was 
of unusual size, equalling the measurements which I have given for the adult female. 

A specimen of the egg in Mr. Philip Crowley’s collection at Croydon is exactly similar to that of 
Apteryx hulleri, but rather larger than ordinary examples of the latter, measuring 4-75 inches in 
length by 3‘05 in breadth. 



Chick of Apteryx bulleri. (See page 315.) 



GREY KIWI. 

APTERYX OWENI. 




(two-fifths natural SI2Ej 






Okbee APTERYGES.] 


[Eam. APTERYGID^. 


APTEEYX OWENI. 

(LITTLE GREY KIWI.) 


Apteryx owenii, Gould, P. Z. S. 1847, p. 94. 

Apteryx mollis, Potts, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. vol. v. p. 196 (1873). 


Native name. — Kiwi-puknpuku. 


Ad. griseus, brunneo et fulvescente alterne transfasciatus, dorsi plumis etiam subterminaliter nigro transfasciatis : 
subtus pallidior, clarius grisescens, plumis albido et brunneo alternfe fasciatim transnotatis : pileo guttureque 
clar^ griseis, facie laterali paullo saturatiore : rostro saturate corneo : pedibus pallide brunneis, unguibus 
corneis : iride nigrS. 

Adult. Head, throat, and fore neck dull yellowish brown, darker on the nape \ general plumage of the body 
light yellowish brown, mottled all over and obscurely banded in a wavy manner with blackish brown ; the 
rigid hair-like points of the feathers bright fulvous ; underparts paler, the plumage of the abdomen becoming 
light fulvous obscurely barred with brown. Each feather examined separately has the main portion, which 
is concealed by the outer plumage, glossy greyish brown, becoming paler towards the root; above this, where 
the barbs are disunited, it is crossed by an irregular bar of fulvous or yellowish brown, beyond which again 
it is blackish brown tipped with shining fulvous : on the feathers of the underparts and sides of the body 
there are generally two of these transverse bands. It is the blending together of these markings that pro- 
duces the peculiar mottled and wavy appearance described above. Irides black ; bill dark horn-colour ; 
legs and feet pale brown, the claws horn- coloured, with transparent tips. 

Male. Total length, following the curvature of the back, 17'5 inches ; bill, along the ridge 2‘85, along the edge 
of lower mandible 3‘4; tarsus 1‘75 ; middle toe and claw 2'4; hallux or hind tarsal claw '4. 

Female. Total length, following the curvature of the back, 20 inches; bill, along the ridge 3'5, along the edge 
of lower mandible 4 ; tarsus 2'5 ; middle toe and claw 3; hallux or hind tarsal claw '5. 

Ols. Independently of the marked difference in size between the sexes, there is a considerable amount of indi- 
vidual variation ; and adult specimens are sometimes met with of so small a size as even to suggest the exist- 
ence of another species. I have remarked this more particularly with examples received from the southern 
portions of the South Island. 

The ground-tints of the plumage vary slightly in different birds. As a rule, however, the male is of a 
somewhat darker shade than the female, and the plumage has a more banded or rayed character, while the 
tips of the feathers on the upper parts are of a brighter fulvous. 

Young. Plumage very soft ; dull greyish brown, obscurely mottled ; vertex, sides of the head, and throat greyish 
white ; the light tips of the feathers very conspicuous, having the appearance of small pencilled lines on a 
darker ground, the produced hair-like filaments being entirely black. Bill rvhite horn-colour, measuring 
1'5 inch; tarsus 1'4, and with well-developed scutes. 

Very young state. A chick of this species, in the Rowley collection at Brighton, is of a uniform yellowish- brown 
colour, with the tips of the feathers lighter. The late Dr. J. F. Knox favoured me with the following notes 
on a still younger specimen, obtained at Nelson in November 1858 : — “ Kiwi chick : just escaped from the 
egg, or rather, in all probability, taken from the egg. Weighed exactly 2 ounces ; bill straight, soft, and 
measuring 1'23 inch in length; feathers few in number; wings exceedingly small, and no claw observable.^'’ 


328 


Varieties. The following is the description of a specimen in the Canterbury Museum, exhibiting a tendency to 
albinism On the left side, just above the thigh, there is a broad irregular patch of the purest white ; and 
there is a similar but more rounded patch on the inner side of each thigh, and another smaller one near the 
rump ; on the right side there are also a few wliite feathers ; and on the sides of the head above the eyes, as 
well as on the throat, there are patches of dull greyish white blending with the surrounding dark grey plu- 
mage. It has the feathers of the thighs and rump much worn by incubation, the shaft-lines being denuded 
for the space of half an inch. Where the plumage is of the ordinary character the shaft-lines are wholly 
black or with fulvous points, but where the white patches occur the shafts are, like the webs, perfectly 
white. 

In the Sydney Museum there is a more perfect albino, the whole of the plumage being greyish white, 
very obscurely streaked with brown. 

In the Otago Museum there is a pure albino from the west coast, presented by Mr. Allen. I have met 
with two other similar instances, all the plumage being either white or tinged with cream j the bill w'hite and 
the legs pale brown. In the collection referred to there is also a very dark variety, approaching in colour to 
Apteryx haasti, but of inferior size. This was obtained at Jackson’s Bay in J uly 1875. 

In the possession of Mr. W. Smyth, of Dunedin, there is an almost perfect albino, the entire plumage 
being of a creamy white, obscurely stained with grey on the back. He obtained it at Martin’s Bay, where 
he caught it among the short grass at the edge of a swamp. It is of small size, and apparently a male. 

Remarks. In this species the bill is straighter than in Apteryx bulleri, and the facial hairs or feelers are much 
shorter, seldom exceeding 2'5 inches in length. In the rudimentary wing the forearm measures scarcely 
more than one inch; the terminal claw is about '5 of an inch in length, horn- coloured, slightly curved, and 
sharp-pointed ; the quills are equal and regular, the tube being '75 of an inch in length ; and the webs, 
wdiich are perfectly soft, are light brown in colour, crossed by two broad bars of pale fulvous. In the young, 
or in birds of the first year, the wing-quills arc very feebly developed. The tarsi are proportionally longer 
and more slender than in Apteryx bulleri-, and they are covered anteriorly with closely-set scales of a 
rounded form. The claws are long, slender, and sharp-pointed, sometimes with the tip incurvate ; the hind 
claw is slender, only slightly arched, and with sharp edges. The plumage is soft and yielding to the hand 
when passed along it ; but in a reverse direction or against the grain it is slightly rigid, although it wants 
the stiffened shafts which give to the feathers of Apteryx bulleri their distinguishing character. On raising 
the plumage with the hand and viewing it laterally it has very much the appearance of the thick fur on 
the back of a tabby cat. The general effect on the surface boars a close resemblance to the fur of the 
small Australian marsupial, Lagorchestes fasciatus, both in colour and in the peculiar character of the wavy 
markings. 


The Grey Kiwi is distributed over a great portion of the South Island, and in some of the remote 
districts is still very abundant. Till recently it was not known to occur in any part of the North Island. 
We had, in consequence, been so accustomed to speak of Apteryx oweni as a stiictly South-Island s[)ecies, 
and as representing there the Brown Kiwi of the North Island {Apteryx bulleri), that the discovery of its 
existence, under certain conditions, in the Wellington provincial district furnished an interesting fact 
in geographic distribution. A fine specimen for which I am indebted to Mr. Moigan Caikeek, of the 
Survey Department, was obtained by that gentleman on Mount Hector, at the head of the Hutt river, 
in December 1875. It was caught by his dog among the snow-grass, at an elevation of about 3000 
feet. At a higher altitude he found the species comparatively abundant, and he met with it occasion- 
ally below the snow-line, frequenting mossy places in the bush free from undergrowth. 

This peculiarity of range, as compared with the distribution of the species in the South Island, 
is very suggestive, and it will be interesting to discover whether this bird inhabits the summits of 
mountains further north. 

It frequents the woods, and, being (like its congeners) nocturnal in its habits, must be sought for 
in prostrate hollow trunks, natural holes or caverns among the roots of the large forest- trees, and clefts 


329 


or fissures in the rocks. It breeds in these localities, and the nest has sometimes been taken from 
under a clump of tussock or from the shelter afforded by an overhanging stone on the slope of a 
wooded hill. The male, female, and young, described above, were all taken from one nest. 

All the specimens of this form in the Canterbury Museum were obtained on the western slope of 
the Southern Alps. The late Sir Julius von Haast collected upwards of fifty of them on that side, 
but never saw or even heard of one on the eastern side of the Alps. 

It is said to be excellent eating ; and the diggers’ pot is contributing, equally with the trade in 
specimens, to the rapid extirpation of the bird. The effect of such a statement as this on the mind of 
a true-hearted naturalist may be readily inferred from the following letter addressed by the late 
Mr. Blyth to the Editor of ‘The Ibis,’ in 1861:— “Some time ago I met a stranger who had been 
travelling in New Zealand. Of course I was curious about the Apteryx oweni ; and I showed hirn 
Gould’s figure of the bird, and tried to make him comprehend some notion of its value. ‘ Good,’ 
said he, ‘I know it well: we ate four of them in one pie!’ Alas for Apteryx oweni, as well as 
for the last remaining specimens of Dinornis or Palapteryx (if such there yet remain), to be put 
into a pie ! Gather your roses while you may, Mr. Editor, and collect your impennates before this 

pestilent civilization spoils and ruins every thing ! ” 

The Maoris, too, have a penchant for roast Kiwi ; and travelling parties, when passing through 
the districts which these birds frequent, as soon as they have fixed up their camp for the night, start 
off with their dogs to hunt for them, the Apteryx oweni, like its congeners, being strictly nocturnal in 
its habits. But it is in the North Island, where the Maori population is so much larpr, that the 
Kiwis, as well as other native birds, suffer most from this uncontrolled system of hunting. This is 
especially the case when the members of a tribe are preparing for one of their periodical feasts *, for 
it then becomes necessary to place every kind of “ fish, flesh, and fowl under contribution. 

The egg of this species is of a long elliptical form, measuring 4-3 inches in length by 2-4 in its 
widest part. It is originally white, but becomes much stained or soiled during incubation ; and some 
examples have the shell traversed with thread-like excrescences, especially at the larger end. A 
specimen from Martin’s Bay is an almost perfect ellipse, with a smooth, perfectly white, and rather 
glossy shell, and measures 4T inches in length by 2’6 in breadth. Another specimen in the 
Canterbury Museum is much stained and discoloured, but appears to have been originally white, with 
a finely granulate surface. At the larger end there are numerous irregularities on the shell, formed 
by limy excrescences ; one of these presents the appearance of a piece of twisted thread, being fully 
two inches in length. Another in the same collection has a great portion of its surface marked 
with scarcely perceptible oblique furrows or interruptions in the granulation of the shell. 


* The following is a newspaper account of one of these feasts, which took place at Parihaka in July 1881 : “ Monday 

being wet, all the natives kept close in their houses, but the weather clearing by next clay, although still cold and windy, amove 
was made, and all coUected on the meeting-square. There were then brought on Pigeons, Kakas, and Tiiis to the number of 
9400, besides three calabashes of Pigeons preserved in their own oil, two casks of preserved Mutton-birds from the Chatham 
Islands, 600 piharau or lampreys, and the usual pile of bread and boilers of tea. The birds were first distributed, one apiece to 
each man, woman, and child — even baby in arms ; after that another, as far as they went three Puis being given as an equi- 
valent to one Pigeon, or Kaka. After this the preserved birds were served round ; then the lampreys were scrambled for— 
there not being enough for distribution ; then the bread and tea was partaken of, and the feast concluded. Not many of the 
birds were consumed on the meeting-square, they being saved for a feast by the natives in their respective houses. Previous to 
the distribution, a long line of girls, gaily dressed, came in on each side of the square, each carrying a basket of taro and 
kumaras, or potatoes. These they placed on the heap of birds and retired. Tohu afterwards addressed the meeting, but his 
speech was unimportant. He referred to birds and eels being of old the food of chiefs, and greenstone their ornaments, which a 
‘ tutua ’ dare not wear ; neither dare he partake of their food ; but that at the present time all might partake and adorn them- 
selves, for all were equal in his eyes.” 


Oedee APTEEYGES.] 


[Eam. APTERTGID^. 


APTEETX HAASTI. 

(LAEGE GREY KIWI.) 


Apteryx haasti, Potts, Trans. N.-Z. Inst. 1871, vol. iv. p. 204. 
Apteryx maxima, Hutton, Cat. Birds of N. Z. 1871, p. 23 (nec Bp.). 

Native names. 

Boa or Eoaroa, and Kiwi-karuai. 


Ad. similis A. oweni, sed multo major, saturatior, et tergo castaneo tincto. 

Adidt. Head and neck dark greyish hr own; the whole of the upper parts as in Apteryx oweni, but darker, the 
hands being almost black, and the fulvous markings strongly tinged with chestnut ; underparts as in A. oweni, 
but decidedly darker. Irides black ; bill white horn-colour ; legs and feet dark brown, changing to brownish 
black on the posterior aspect of the metatarsi and on the soles ; claws dark horn-colour. Total length 25'5 
inches ; bill, along the ridge 4'75, along the edge of lower mandible 5 ’4; tarsus 2'75 ; middle toe and claw 
3"1 ; hallux or hind tarsal claw '75. 

Ohs, Another example is slightly smaller and somewhat darker; and the thighs are marked by two chestnut 
bars, one on the hind part and the other immediately above the tarsal joint. To which sex these birds belong 
has not been ascertained, although they are supposed to be females. If they are males, it may be reasonably 
inferred that the female of this species is considerably larger than Apteryx australis. 

General Remarks. This species resembles Apteryx oweni in general appearance, but is distinguished by its much 
larger size (equalling that of A. australis), by its darker plumage, which has a strong tinge of chestnut, and 
by the more robust form and darker colour of the legs and feet. Its metatarsi are armed anteriorly with 
large and broad scutella, approaching more nearly in this respect to those of A. australis than of the former 
species, in which the scales are small and rounded. The claws are large, well formed, only slightly arched, 
and sharp-pointed. The quill-tubes are about an inch in length ; and the terminal claw, which measures '4 
of an inch, is slender, arched, and pointed. The structure of the feathers on the upper parts of the body 
appears to be similar to that observable in Apteryx australis, the shafts of the feathers being less produced 
than in A. oweni ; and altogether the form appears to be an intermediate one, combining in some deo-ree the 
distinguishing characters of both. 


At the time of my first edition only two specimens of this fine Apteryx were known, both of which 
belonged to the Canterbury Museum. These were obtained on the high ranges above Okarita, on the 
west coast of the South Island, where, according to the resident natives, this large Grey Kiwi is 
tolerably common. Since that date another specimen (also from the west coast) has been received at 
the Museum, difiering from those previously described in being somewhat darker and more strongly 
suffused Avith chestnut ; indeed the coloration is almost as dark as in Apteryx mantelli, thus falsifying 
Dr. Finsch’s opinion that its plumage “ entirely agrees with Apteryx oweni, and is by no means 
darker ” *. 


* Trans. K.-Z. Inst. vol. vii. p. 236. 


331 


The resident Maoris, on seeing the first examples that were brought in, said that this was the 
young of the Eoaroa, a Kiwi said to exceed considerably in size the Tokoeka (^Apteryx australis). 

I am informed that Mr. Bills has obtained from the west coast and forwarded to England no less 
than five specimens of Apteryx haasti, some of which were larger and more handsomely marked than 
those in the Museum. These were probably females, although the collector was unable to state 
the sex. 


There is no proof whatever that the bird here described is the same as that for which M. Jules 
Verreaux proposed the name of Apteryx maxima* •, on the contrary, the evidence, so far as it goes, 
would seem to indicate the existence of a much larger species of Kiwi than any of the foregoing in 
fact, a bird equalling in size a full-grown Turkey. For this reason I have considered it safer to retain 
the name bestowed upon it in compliment to the late Sir Julius von ITaast, to whom the Colony is 
indebted for the establishment of a valuable museum of science and art at Canterbury, as well as for 
several important topographical and geological surveys in that district. 

With closely-allied forms sharing the same habitat, it is somewhat hard to determine how far to 
go or where to stop in the discrimination of species. So far as we can judge at present. Apteryx 
haasti is readily distinguishable from A. oweni ; but there would seem to be almost as much justifica- 
tion for our distinguishing as a new species, separable from A. hullert, the Kiwi-kura (or “ red Kiwi ) 
found with its young of the same colour in the Pirongia ranges (as mentioned on page 310), for in 
this instance there was not merely a distinction of colour, but a very manifest modification in the 
structure of the plumage. It is no answer to say that both forms were found inhabiting the same 
range of mountain, any more than it would be an objection to the already recognized species that 
Apteryx australis, A. oweni, and A. haasti are all found in the same district, or that, while Aj)teryx 
hulleri is abundant in the Upper Wanganui, A. oweni is known to exist on the hill-tops between that 
district and Wellington. The explanation is, of course, to be found in descent from a common 
ancestor, the differentiation having been brought about by natural causes which we have not yet been 
able to determine with any certainty. As we have seen in treating of Apteryx hulleri, examples from 
different localities in the North Island exhibit minor peculiarities that are more or less constant. Such 
variation can hardly be matter of surprise in the case of flightless birds w'hose habitat for countless 
generations may have been restricted to some particular range of mountains. This principle extended 
ought to be sufficient to account for the existence of at least four recognized species of Apteryx within 
so small a geographical area as New Zealand. 

For obvious reasons I have endeavoured to make my account of this very remarkable group of 
wingless birds as full and exhaustive as possible. Apart from the special interest attaching to species 
that are rapidly expiring, the Apterygine form is so entirely anomalous among existing birds, that 
every minute particular of natural economy and life-history appears to be worth recording. 

It rmrst be at once apparent that a close and patient study of the avifaurra of srrch a courrtry as 
New Zealand cannot fail to have an important bearing on the question, which claims so large a share 
of attention among naturalists of the present day, as to the origin of species. 

It seems impossible for any one who has given even the most cursory attention to the subject to 
doubt that such closely allied forms as Apteryx hulleri and Apteryx australis, Ocydromus greyi arrd 
Ocydromus australis, and the other representative species inhabiting the North and South Islands 
respectively, have in each case sprirng from a common parent, the amount of difference which is now 
sufficient to distmguish them specifically being the result of a long-continued and persistent modifica- 
tion irr a given direction, arrd under conditions favourable to its permanence. lire orrly admission 

* Bp. Compt. Rend. Acad. Sc. xliii. p. 841 (1856, ex Verr. MS.). 

2u2 


332 

required in support of such an hypothesis is, that the North and South Islands have been severed 
from each other for a sufficiently long period of time to allow of this complete divergence of character 
under the ordinary laws of natural development. And here we have the supporting testimony of 
Geology; for there is every indication in the structure of the two islands that their individual insula- 
tion dates back into far antiquity, and was probably coeval with that great convulsion of nature which 
in the remote past plunged under “ the azure main” the continent of which New Zealand and her 
satellites arc now the only existing remnants. 



RJ.SMIT. 0£LT.DHAWkl ON STONE BY E.WluSON 

LEG OF DINORNIS ELEPHANTOPUS. 


Judo a. c? Li m iteo, im p 


fpROKT VIEW : THREE - FOURTHS NATURAL SIZE.) 




HJ.Smit. d6l’’.dhawn on stone by E, Wilson. 

LEG OF DINORNIS ELEPHANTOPUS. 


J UDD ft. C? UlM IT ED, IMP 


(BACKYIEW; THREE-FOURTHS NATURAL SIZE..) 



SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 


TO THE 


‘BIRDS OF NEW ZEALAND.’ 

VOL. II. 


Ik the Introduction to this work (page xxxii) I mentioned a specimen of the leg of Dinornis 
el^hantopus, in the Cambridge University Museum, which Professor Newton had kindly forwarded 
to me for inspection, and I then referred to an astragalus-\\ke bone, the presence of which had 
hitherto escaped notice in the osteology of Dinornis. On turning to Professor Owen’s elaborate 
‘ Memoir on the Anatomy of Apteryx ’ *, I found that he had described a somewhat similar inter- 
articular bone as existing in that bird in the following terms: — “ There is a small cuneiform tarsal 
bone wedged into the outer and back part of the ankle-joint.” 

Havino- brought this matter under the notice of Dr. Gunther, at the British Museum, we 
together dissected specimens of Apteryx lulleri and Megapodius pritchardi, and found this little bone 
present in the former bird but not in the latter. At Professor Newton’s suggestion we afterwards 
made a similar examination of the leg of a Tinamou {Crypturus tataupa) and with a successful result, 
there being the same interarticular bone attached to the head of the tarso-metatarsus by means of 
two ligaments, one long and slender, the other broad and short. 

The discovery of this new bone seemed to me of so much interest that I made a special journey 
to York for the purpose of examining the comparatively recent skeleton of Dinornis robustus preserved 
in the public Museum there, as mentioned at page xxiii of my Introduction. Here I found the same 
bone, but of a somewhat different form, being scarcely half as thick as in D. elephantopus, although 
the bird was of much larger stature. It looked more like a cartilage, for which, indeed, it had been 
mistaken, the label attached denominating it a “ knee cartilage.” 

Before returning the unique specimen to the Cambridge Museum I had careful drawings of it 
made by Mr. P. J. Smit, showing the anterior and posterior aspects ; and the artist has performed his 
work very faithfully, even to the minutest details of superficial structure. Plate XLIX. accordingly 
represents the front view of the left metatarsus of Dinornis elephantopus with two of the toe- 
phalanges attached by means of dried ligament ; and Plate L. represents the back view. 


* Trans. Zool. Soc. ii. p. 293. 


334 


The illustrations are reduced one fourth, the dimensions of the metatarsus being as follows 


Length 

. 9 inches. 

Transverse breadth of proximal end . 

. 4 

5) 

Transverse breadth of distal end 

. 5 


Least breadth of shaft ..... 

. 2-25 

59 

Eore-and-aft breadth of proximal end 

o 

. O 

59 

Circumference of proximal end 

. 12 

95 

Least circumference of shaft .... 

. 6-25 

39 

Breadth of middle trochlea .... 

. 1*9 

99 

Length, following the curve .... 

. 4 

95 


The proximal phalanges of the inner and middle toes are still firmly attached to the distal trochlefs 
by means of a tough ligament, and a small portion of the sole is still present. 

The astragalus-Yik.e bone to which I have specially referred is well shown, in its natural position, 
in Plate XLIX. It measures 2-5 inches in width, with a vertical thickness in front of fully an inch, 
tapering off on the sides and wedge-shaped behind, with a uniform depth of l'2o of an inch. 

Professor Owen in his minute description of the tarso-metatarsal bone of Dinornis elepJianto^us, 
says (Extinct Wingless Birds of New Zealand, vol. i. p. 227): — 

“I had, hitherto, regarded the metatarse of Dinornis crassiis, described and figured at p. 137, in 
pi. xl. figs. 4 & 5, as presenting the most extraordinary form and proportions of all the restored 
species of huge wingless birds of New Zealand ; it is strikingly surpassed in robustness and in great 
relative breadth and thickness by the same bone of the present species, which chiefly on that account 
I have proposed to name elejghantoims. Only in the great Maccaws and Penguins do the proportions 
of the metatarsus resemble those in this most robust-legged of birds ; but the Parrot-like tribe present 
those peculiar modifications of the distal trochlem, with the strong articulation for the back toe, 
which relate to the Scansorial modifications of the bird’s foot ; and the Penguins associate with their 
broad and short metatarsus a characteristic retention of much of the primitive separation of the three 
constituent bones. In Dinornis elefliantopus these elements have become as completely coalesced as 
in any other species, and the general characters of both proximal and distal ends accord with those in 

previously described species From the metatarsus of Dinornis rohustus that of the Dinornis 

elephantopus difiers, most strikingly, in its proportions of length to breadth, being little more than 
half the length, but of nearly equal breadth ; the distal trochlese, however, being relatively less 

expanded than in Dinornis robnstns Equalling, or nearly equalling, the phalanges of that bird 

in breadth and thickness, the bones of the foot differ chieffy in shortness, but in a less degree than the 
metatarsi differ.” 

Professor Owen’s figure of this bone {op. cit. vol. ii. pi. Ivii.) shows the proximal articular surface 
of the metatarsus; but in the specimen under notice this is partly covered by the interarticular bone 
already described ; whilst the ectocalcaneal and the mesocalcaneal processes are completely hidden by 
the dried integument, or heel-pad, which, as already mentioned (Introd. p. xxxii) and as shown in 
the Plate, is still adhering to the base. 

I have already discussed fully (Introd. pp. xviii to xxxv) the controversial question of the antiquity 
of the Moa, and I do not think it necessary to add anything further on the subject except to mention 


335 


that at a recent meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell brought 
forward some remarkable Maori evidence in support of the view advanced by me 


The number of species described in my former edition was 147. Of these two have been omitted 
in the present work, namely, Nestor occidentalis and Trihonyx mortieri, the former being now treated 
as a mere variety of Nestor meridionalis, and the latter because, as already stated (Introd. p. xiv), there 
is no authentic record of its occurrence in New Zealand. On the other hand, 48 species have been 
added. Of this number three new species were described and named by myself in the ‘ Transactions 
of the New-Zealand Institute,’ and four more are characterized for the first time in the present work. 
Professor Hutton and Dr. Finsch have each added two new species. Gerygone sylvestris, Potts, 
Ocydromus hrachypterus, Lafr., and Eudyptes pachyrJiynchus, Gray, have now been admitted as good 
species. The other additions to the list, 34 in number, are made up of stragglers from Australia, and 
species inhabiting the New-Zealand seas that have hitherto escaped observation. 

In the Introduction I gave the number of Cormorants (including two doubtful forms) as fourteen ; 
but, as fully explained in my account of Phalacrocorax Irevirostris (Vol. II. p. 169), I have since treated 
Mr. Sharpe’s P.finsclii as a mere variety of that species, thus reducing the number to thirteen. On the 
other hand, the number of Petrels has been increased, by a closer investigation of the subject, from 
thirty-three to thirty-nine. Of those now added only one is a new species, Pujffinus hulleri, Salvin 
(Ibis, 1888, p. 354). 

Those who possess my former edition, or who may otherwise have an opportunity of comparing 
the two works, will see how much new material has been embodied in the present one, the book 
having been practically rewritten and the amount of reading matter increased threefold. 

It must not be supposed, however, from this that there is nothing left for the future ornithologist 
in New Zealand. Most, if not all, of the species inhabiting the mainland (the so-called “land-birds” 
and waterfowl) have no doubt been pretty thoroughly w^orked out ; but a great deal has yet to be 
done among the shore-birds and sea-birds. Since the publication of my former edition, no less than 
38 species of this class have been added to the list, and even whilst the present volume was passing 
through the press several more have been discovered. 

I have described at page 88 (Vol. I.) the causes of the rapid disappearance of many of the New- 

• “ At the meeting of the Philosophical Society on Wednesday night the vexed question ■whether the Maori had ever actually 
known the Moa, or only through tradition, was briefly discussed upon a paper by Lieutenant-Colonel McDonnell, read by 
Mr. J. Park. The paper, which was entitled ‘ The Ancient Moa Hunters at Waingongoro,’ was ostensibly a reply to Mr. Colcnso, 
of Hapier (a gentleman who, as is well known, has always held the theory that the Moa was extinct when the Maori arrived from 
Hawaiki), who had stated that there was nothing in the stories or proverbs of the Maoris to show that they actually knew the 
Moa. Colonel McDonnell expressed surprise that a statement of that kind should have come from such a Maori scholar as 
Mr. Colenso. As showing that the Maoris had known the Moa, and had hunted and eaten it, he related an incident within his 
own experience which happened on the West Coast of the North Island in 1866. Sir George Grey (then Governor) was visiting 
the locality, and an old Maori named Kawana Paipai stated that in his youth he had joined his people in hunting the Moa on 
the Waimate Plains. In answer to questions, he described the mode of hunting, which was that when a party of young men 
started a Moa they pursued it until they were tired, when another party took up the chase and so on until the Moa tired, when 
it was killed with stones and sticks. Doubts were expressed as to the truth of Kawana Paipai’s statements, whereupon he 
became exceedingly angry, and said that if men were brought with spades he would show them where they could uncover the 
bones of the Moas from the old ovens. This was promptly done, and as Kawana had promised, about three feet down largo 
quantities of Moa bones were found among the old ovens. It was explained by Kawana that the Moa, when brought to bay, 
fought fiercely, striking out with its feet. The time when the old man took part in the hunt. Colonel McDonnell reckoned, would 
be early in the present century.” — IS'ew -Zealand Times, Kov. 1, 1888. ■ 


336 


Zealand birds ; but I have not thought it necessary to do more than refer incidentally to the extra- 
ordinary manner in which many of the introduced birds have established themselves in the country, 
displacing in some districts the indigenous species, or at any rate adding by their competition another 
factor to those already in operation*. On the outskirts of the bush everywhere, the notes of English 
birds predominate ; and I have met with the ubiquitous Sparrow, not only among the steaming 
geysers of Wairakei, but on the barren heights of Owhaoko. I have already given (Introd. p. xlvii) a 
list of the other English birds that have already been successfully established. There will, ere long, 
be a welcome addition to the number, as Mr. H. R. Russell of Hawke s Bay (now in this country^ is 
taking active steps for the introduction of that sweetest of British songsters, the Nightingale. It will 
be interesting to see whether transportation to a new country, with a comparatively mild climate all 
the year round, will affect its migratory character ; for it cannot be denied that one or two of the 
species already acclimatized in New Zealand have, to some extent, changed their habits of life. 

Among the native species apparently doomed to extinction at no distant date are the Bell-bird 
and the Tui. The former of these has entirely disappeared from the North Island, but its delicious 
note is still to be heard in the gardens and shrubberies of Nelson and Christchurch ; and on the 
western side of the Southern Alps this bird is still to be found in all suitable localities. Tuis also, 
although greatly diminished in numbers during the last twenty years, are still comparatively plentiful 
in many parts of both islands. It is indeed pleasing to record that they sometimes frequent the 
shrubberies in and around our principal towns, and that in Mrs. Walter Johnston’s pretty garden at 
Wellington they are to be seen every spring, disporting themselves among the exotic flowers sur- 
rounding the house, and nesting, as I am assured, in an Australian bottle-brush almost within reach 
of the ball-room windows. 

On the other hand, some of the indigenous species And the new conditions of life favourable to 
their increase. For example, the Banded Rail {Bccllus pliilippensis) is now comparatively plentiful in 
all suitable localities. On the low-lying sandy lands near the sea-shore, where fields of pinky-red 
rushes alternate with flax and toetoe, it may be flushed by the sportsman’s dog, almost at his very feet ; 
and in the bosky fringes of the forest, where the native bramble casts a mantle over the low vege- 
tation, and tangles of kohia and other creeping plants make progression well-nigh impossible, its note 
is now familiar, although a few years since its very appearance was unknown to many of the natives. 

I have mentioned (Introd. p. xlviii, footnote) the unfortunate fate that befell one of the Queen’s 
White Swans at Kawau. I am glad, however, to learn from Professor Hutton that the experiment 
was not so unfruitful as I had supposed. Writing to me, from Christchurch, under date of Oct. IT? 
he says : — “ Sir George Grey gave me a pair of White Swans, in 1868, to take up to the Waikato. 
I turned them out in Lake Whangape, and when I left in 1870 there were thirteen of them. I have 
been told that they are now commonly seen on the lakes in the Lower Waikato.” He adds : — “ Also 
Rooks w'ere introduced into Canterbury from Lincolnshire, many years ago, by Sir Cracroft Wilson. 
They have done very well, and there must be over 200 now, in spite of poisoning. The Hedge- 
Sparrow is also naturalized here ; and I see a pair in my garden occasionally.” 

Since writing my account of the various species of Ocydromus inhabiting New Zealand, I have 

• In my account of the well-nigh extmct Pogonornis cincta (Vol. I. p. 104), I stated that the only collections in this country 
that could boast the possession of a female of this species were the British Museum and the University Museum at Cambridge. 
On this point, however. Canon Tristram sends me the following note ; — “ I have had for years a lovely female skin, in most 
perfect condition. It was given to me by the late Dr. Lyall, E.N., who shot it in 1850.” 


n o fT 
DO i 

examined Forster’s original drawing of Ocydromus troglodytes at the British Museum, and although 
a very unfinished production, it certainly represents a highly-coloured specimen of Ocydromus australis. 
I trust I have succeeded in elucidating the very confused synonymy of this group and in giving some- 
thing like finality to the nomenclature. But the manner in which some of the forms intergrade 
renders the subject a very puzzling one. Under more than one aspect the Woodhen is a bird of con- 
siderable interest, and I have therefore endeavoured to do full justice to its natural history *. 

With the kind assistance of Mr. Salvin, who has made a special study of the Procellariidse for 
the purposes of his forthcoming ‘ Monograph,’ I have made a very complete list of our Petrels up to 
date, but 1 am persuaded that many more have yet to be added. As mentioned in my Introduction, 
the wide ocean which surrounds New Zealand is, so to speak, the great nursery of this family, and 
their breeding-grounds are the numerous rocks and islets which abound otf our coasts or the small 
groups of islands lying in mid-ocean and far out of the track of our ordinary commerce. Here is still 
a most promising field for future workers in New-Zealand ornithology. 

In his excellent ‘Critical Notes on Procellariidse ’ (Orn. Miscell. vol. i. pp. 249-257) Mr. Salvin 
says : — “ The exceedingly extensive range of many species of this family of birds adds to the difficulties 
of their study when the evidently close specific relationship between many of them is considered. But 
could we compare specimens taken from the Ireeding-stations, much of our perplexity would, I believe, 
vanish, and the slight differences observable in specimens captured at various points on the high seas 
would at once assume a greater value, and definite laws of geographical distribution would be found 
to prevail in these as in other birds. It is on certain islands that the Procellariidse assemble in the 

* Even in the Eev. Mr. Green’s ciiarming account of his ascent of Mount Cook, the ubiquitous Weka comes in for a passing 
notice. Camped at the edge of a little blue lake, fringed with scrub, at the foot of the Tasman glacier, he writes : — “ Here, for 
the first time, we found tho Ifew Zealand edelweiss {On.aphalium grandiceps), and men seemed to take fresh heart after all 
their fagging work, when we had our hat-hands adorned with the familiar little felt-like flowers. After a good night's rest on a 
bed of Veronica Jiectori, we continued our ‘ swagging,’ and on the next afternoon, Eeb. 23, wo reached our fifth and final camp. 
We were now 3750 feet above the sea, having gained by a week’s labour only 1450 feet of actual elevation, and Mount Cook 
still towered 9000 feet above us. Our advance was here checked by the ice of the much broken Ball glacier coming down from 
our left, and though we carried our swags on to its surface in hopes of camping farther up, the absence of scrub on- the further 
spurs, of sufficient size to promise a supply of firewood, made us retrace our stops and pitch our tents on a gravel slope close to 
the mountain side, in the angle formed by the Ball and Tasman glaciers. Hero a glacier stream provided us with water, and the 
vicinity of our camp was strewn with dead wood brought down by landslips and avalanches from tho steep slopes above. Whilst 
looking for a suitable nook for our tent, Boss came upon a little square patch of dwarfed gnarled Coprosma exactly tho square of 
our tent. It grew by itself on the gravel in a snug corner, and seemed as if prepared so specially for our use that we did not 
wish to decline the hospitality of nature. Filling up, therefore, the centre of the square with some cut hushes we pitched our 
tent on it. Never was a bed more comfortable ; its spring was perfect, we never sank to within less than 5 inches or 6 inches 
of the ground ; and so long as the Wekas contented themselves with squeaking and grunting, and not pecking upwards, we did 
not wish to deny them the comfortable lodging beneath us, which they seemed to appreciate. From this camp we made a long 
day’s excursion up the main glacier and completed our reconnaissance of tho ridges of Mount Cook ; and from a point on tho 
medial moraine I took a circle of angles with a view to making my map, and secured a couple of negatives of the Hochstetter 
ice-fall. But the light was so brilliant, there not being a cloud in the sky, that over-exposure of my plates was almost unavoid- 
able. A brisk breeze, occasionally blowing in sudden strong squalls from south-west or north-west, prevailed in tho valley, while 
on the mountain ridges a steady, fierce wind seemed to blow continuously from the west. Tho Woodhens or Wekas {Ocydromus 
australis) were a source of constant amusement ; they seemed to know no fear, and would come picking and examining every 
article in our camp, and were always ready to bolt off with any small object left on the ground. They cared little for the stones 
we threw at them, and all night they kept up a constant whistling, accompanied by a kind of grunting noise. On tho stream 
hard by we had an inexhaustible supply of Blue Ducks {Uymenolaimus malacorliyncAiis) ; there wore never many to he seen at 
a time, hut when we shot three or four one day a couple of brace more would occupy the same part of the stream next morning. 
They were not wild, so in order to save cartridges we generally pelted stones to get them close together, and then tumbled two 
or three in the one shot.” 

2 X 


VOL. II. 


338 


breeding-season, sometimes in countless numbers ; and after the duties of incubation and rearing their 
young are accomplished, these colonies disperse at large over a vast tract of ocean, to assemble again 
the following year. Thus, then, for a considerable portion of the year birds of closely-allied species may 
be found flying together ; but they separate to their respective breeding-quarters at the proper season. 
From this it may be gathered that the fact of two or more closely-allied Petrels found together on 
the open ocean is not by any means so strong a proof of their specific identity as would be the case 
in most other birds. It is by the uniformity or otherwise of birds when assembled at their breeding- 
stations that characters of real specific value are to be traced.” 

At page 24 (Vol. I.) I have stated my reasons for not including the Kermadec Islands in this 
work ; but as any information relating to the birds of this group must be of interest to the student of 
New-Zealand ornithology, especially in regard to the subject of geographical distribution, I have 
much pleasure in quoting the following observations recorded by Mr. T. F. Cheeseman, Curator of 
the Auckland Museum, who has lately visited those islands in the Government steam-boat ‘ Stella.’ 
Much of the information was obtained from Mr. Bell, a resident on Raoul Island, which is the furthest 
of the group, being about 640 miles from Auckland, or midway between New Zealand and Tonga. The 
following New-Zealand species are, he states, the commonest birds on the Kermadecs, namely, the 
Harrier {Circus gouldi), the Kingfisher vagans), the Tui {Prosthemadera novce zealandice), the 

White-eye {Zosterops cmrulescens), the Pipit {Anthus novce zealandice), the Red-fronted Parrakeet {Platy- 
cercus novce zealandice), the Pukeko {Porpkyrio melanonotus), and the Grey Duck {Anas sujperciliosa). 
Mr. Bell states that both the Long-tailed Cuckoo {Eudynamis taitensis) and the Shining Cuckoo ( Chry- 
sococcyx lucidus) are yearly visitants ; and that a large Fruit-Pigeon, supposed to be identical with the 
New-Zealand species, was abundant till it had been exterminated by the introduced cats. A similar 
fate has befallen the Red-fronted Parrakeet on Sunday Island ; but this bird is still plentiful on Meyer 
Islet, an outlying wooded rock, whilst on Macaulay Island it is to be seen in great numbers, going 
about in flocks of from twelve to fifty, hopping amongst the short grass, and apparently feeding on the 
seeds of Erigeron and Gnaphalium. Mr. Cheeseman adds : — “ So tame was it and so unused to man’s 
presence, that I caught two by simply walking quietly up and suddenly putting my hat over them while 
they were walking on the grass. Several more were caught by the sailors in a similar way.” As might 
have been expected, many of the Petrels belonging to the New-Zealand avifauna are to be met with 
among these islands; but Mr. Cheeseman writes of a Puffiims: — “A species of this genus, clearly 
different from any of the New-Zealand forms, breeds on Sunday Island in September and October, 
laying its eggs on the bare ground among the trees on the hill-sides. The young birds, wRen cured, 
form no inconsiderable portion of the food of the residents, and are by no means bad eating. The 
old birds had only just commenced to arrive at the time of our visit, but during the middle of the 
season they are present in enormous numbers. Large portions of the island are then entirely covered 
with them, and the noise and confusion is said to be almost indescribable ... A fine Gannet, 
differing from the New-Zealand species in wanting the buff-coloured feathers on the head, was not 
uncommon, but I was unable to obtain a specimen.” Subsequently, in a letter to myself, he says : — 
“ Since I wrote, Captain Fairchild has made another trip in the ‘ Stella ’ and has kindly brought 
me living specimens of the Gannet referred to in my paper. I believe it to be Sula cyanogms 
(Ramsay), but have not yet fully compared it with the descriptions. 1 have also received skins and 
eggs of the Tropic bird {Phaethon ruhricauda), which breeds there yearly in great numbers, also of 
Gygis Candida. Mr. Bell writes me that the Gygis breeds in the branches of Metrosideros poly- 


339 


moi'pha, often selecting a branch not much thicker than a man’s wrist, and placing its eggs in a little 
depression thereon. I hear of several Petrels breeding on the same islands, clearly different from our 
species, and hope to get specimens next season.” 

Apart from the serious work of the naturalist, whose duty it is to observe and record, there is 
pleasure in the mere watching of birds in their native haunts : to witness the ever-varying evolutions 
of the sea-birds in their tireless flight ; to follow the stately White Crane or the Bittern in their 
lonely wanderings through the swamp ; to sit on some mossy bank, Avith the scented karetu at your 
feet and the soft hum of insect-life all round, w'atching the playful flight of the Tiwaiwaka, as it 
opens its pretty fan and hunts in the air for invisible flies ; or even to gaze on the solitary bird whose 
life is thus charmingly sketched by Sir Emerson Tennent (in his ‘Natural History of Ceylon, p. 249) . 

“ In solitary places, where no sound breaks the silence except the gurgle of the river as it sweeps 
round the rocks, the lonely Kingfisher, the emblem of vigilance and patience, sits upon an overhanging 
branch, his turquoise plumage hardly less intense in its lustre than the deep blue of the sky above 
him ; and so intent is his watch upon the passing fish that intrusion fails to scare him from his post.” 

Some curious facts relating to the distribution of New-Zealand birds have been recently recorded 
by Dr. Finsch in ‘The Ibis’ (1888, pp. 307-309) from specimens obtained by Mr. A. Keischek. The 
latter naturalist lately accompanied the ‘Stella ’ on one of her trips to the outlying islands in search of 
castaways on the Snares, two small wooded islands with rocks adjacent lying about sixty miles to the 
south-west of Stewart’s Island, and among the birds collected on the larger of the islands was a speci- 
men of Sphenoeacus fulviis. This species is very rare in New' Zealand; but its congener, A. 
is common in both islands, frequenting the stunted fern in the open land, but more generally the 
thick vegetation of the swamps. In its island-home, Avhere there is no open land and no swamp, it 
has changed its habits and lives in the bush. As I have stated at page 62 (Vol. I.) there is another 
allied, but very distinct species (/S', mfescens), inhabiting the Chatham Islands, which does not occur 
in New Zealand. Another bird met with on this island was the Black Tomtit {Miro traversi), a form 
absent from New Zealand, but common at the Chatham Islands. Several examples were observed, 
and it is stated that their habits are exactly similar to those of the North-Island Tomtit {Myiomoira 
toitoi). After leaving the Snares, the ‘ Stella ’ visited the Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes, and Bounty 
Islands. Neither of the above mentioned birds was found in any of these localities ; but, curiously 
enough, another allied species, the South-Island Tomtit {Myiomoira macrocephala), was met rvith on 
the Auckland Islands. 

Mr. Keischek reports that on the Auckland Islands he found a species of Skua feeding on the 
young Penguins. This was doubtless Stercorarius antarcticus, the form Avhich I have described above 
at page 63. Mr. Howard Saunders, in Avriting of this species (Journ. L. S., Zool. vol. xiv. pp. 392, 393), 
says; — “ The largest birds are from the Southern Ocean, betAveen New Zealand and the Cape of Good 
Hope, and they are also the duskiest in colour ; those from the South Atlantic are smaller, and have a 
tendency to a pale frill of acuminate feathers, similar to that Avhich is more or less marked in all the 
other Skuas ; whilst the three individuals obtained by the ‘ Erebus ’ and ‘ Terror ’ Expedition from 
the edge of the pack-ice, noAV in the British Museum, are w'onderfully bleached and Aveird-looking birds. 

Both these species possess great powers of flight, so that they are able to pursue and rob, not 

only the smaller Gulls, but also the Terns ; and as the latter are found in an uninterrupted succession 
throughout the Avhole of the indicated range, there is at once an assignable reason for great extension 
in the range of the latter of these two Skuas.” 


840 


CONCLUSION. 

Having now sent my last sheet to press, I cannot altogether dispel a feeling of regret that my 
work is finished, for it has been a source of much enjoyment to me since my arrival in England. 

Few persons who are not themselves practical ornithologists can fully realize what this statement 
implies. The truth is this In imagination I have lived over again the pleasantest part of my colonial 
life. In memory I have recalled the bright dewy morning, now five-and-thirty years ago, when I 
shot my first Koheperoa in the old Mission-garden at Tangiteroria, and found my beautiful prize 
lying on the sward with its banded wings and tail stretched out to their full extent. I have 
remembered the delight with which, almost as long ago, I shot in the Tangihua mountains my first 
Piopio, a bird so rare at the far north, even at that time, that it was entirely unknown to the natives 
of the district. I have roamed through the woods and listened to the scream of the Kaka, the shrill 
call of the Kingfisher, and the twitterings of the smaller birds, whose every note has been familiar to 
me since my boyhood. I have fioated in the warm sunlight down the silent river, its banks overhung 
with evergreens and drooping ferns in rich profusion, and watched the Tuis high in the air performing 
their fantastic flight. I have traversed the deep lagoon, pushing my little canoe along the smooth 
watercourses among the beds of raupo, startling the ever-vigilant Bittern, provoking a peevish cry 
from the Pukeko, and flushing Ducks at every turn. I have ridden for a whole day over fern-clad 
hills, attended along the road by flights of Ground-Larks, with the Harrier sailing in wide circles 
overhead ; and as the shades of evening were closing in upon the landscape, I have heard the whistling 
cries of the Woodhen in responsive pairs. I have tramped along the shore, gun in hand, for miles, 
and brought noise and consternation among the crowding flocks of sea-birds in my anxiety to secure 
good specimens. And, at night, 1 have sat for hours by my log fire in the bush, listening to the 
rapid talk and merry laughter of my Maori companions, broken now and then by the call of the lonely 
Morepork from the gloomy depths of the forest. All this have I done, over and over again in imagi- 
nation, while endeavouring to depict in truthful language, for the information of the general reader, 
the life-histories of the various species. 

If the perusal of these sketches should afford my friends anything like the amount of interest 
and pleasure their preparation has given me, I shall feel that I have not been altogether unsuc- 
cessful in this further endeavour to popularize the study of ornithology. 

That I had a specially interesting Ornis to deal with cannot be denied ; and I think it will be 
conceded that, on the whole, I have honestly discharged my duty as its biographer. The numerous 
letters of approval I have received during the progress of the present edition, from Subscribers whose 
judgment I value, have been highly gratifying to me ; and I feel that I have nothing to complain of 
on the part of reviewers. But to my mind the highest tribute of praise the book has elicited is that 
contained in a letter from a very able colonial statesman — one who has devoted more than forty years 
of his active life to public affairs and still holds high office — in which, after thanking me for a 
presentation copy of Vol. I., he says : — “ But the feeling that stayed and will stay most is admiration 
for the splendid service you have again done our country. How infinitely little are the ephemeral 
doings of all us politicians, when set against a work of such constant interest and value as your 
‘Birds’; and how happy you must be at being able to dedicate such a capo d' opera in science to 
your boys, amid the applause of those who are best able to recognize what it has been and is ! ” 


INDEX 


Abnormal growth of a Huia’s bill, i. 17. 
Aeanthidositta, Ixvii ; i. 115, 243. 

Moris, lix ; i. 113, 243. 

citrina, i. 114. 

Acanthisitta, i. 110. 

ffilviventris, i. 111. 

haasti, i. 111. 

lomjij^es, i. 108. 

jmnctata, i. 113. 

tenuirostris, i. 113. 

Acanthiza alhofrontata, i. 49. 

chrjisorhina, i. 135. 

fiaviventris, i. 44. 

igata, i. 44. 

tenuirostris, i. 113. 

Aeantbocera earuneulata, xlii. 
Acanthochcera, liv, Ivi, Ixvi. 

earuneulata, xiv, xl, Uv ; i. 68, 106, 

107. 

Acaiith)'lis caudamia, i. 117. 

Accipitcr eooperi, i. 128. 

nisiw, i. 128. 

Accipitres, xy, Ixix. 

Acromyodi, i. 37. 

Actitis Irrevipes, ii. 38. 
aciimiiuita, Tringa, xl ; ii. 37, 39. 
aeuniinatus, Limnoeinolus, ii. 37. 

, Totanus, ii. 37. 

aoutirostris, Heteralocha, xlii, lix ; i. 

3,7. 

, Neomorpha, i. 7, 8. 

Adamastor, Ixxx. 

einereus, ii. 241. 

typus, ii. 241 . 

adust a, Diomedea, ii. 189. 
iEgialitis biein-cius, ii. 3. 
iEgialophilus rujicapillus, ii. 5. 
ceyyptiaca, Cbenalopex, xlviii. 

Aeipetes antarctieus, ii. 229. 

^luroodus, i. 30. 

.^pyornis, li. 

^strelata cooMi, ii. 217. 

fuliginnsa, ii. 221. 

gavia, ii. 236. 

gouldi, ii. 245. 

incerta, ii. 220. 

lessonii, ii. 219. 

mollis, ii. 222. 

neglecia, ii. 224. 

(fthereiM, Phaeton, ii. 186. 
affiiiis, (Estrclata, ii. 223. _ 

, Ortygometra, Ivi ; ii. 103, 255. 

, Porzana, ii. 103. 

, Procellaria, i. 201 ; ii. 223. 

africanus, Graeulus, ii. 166. 

Agapornis, i. 180. 

VOL. 11. 


Akiaki, ii. 55. 

Alauda arvensis, xliii. 

liltorea, i. 63. 

seelandue, i. 63. 

alha, Ardea, ii. 124, 125. 

, Gallinula, ii. 90. 

, Herodias, ii. 124. 

. — — , Motacilla, i. 248. 

, Notornis, Ivii ; i. 24; ii. 90. 

Albatros, Ivi ; ii. 226, 227. 

, Plack-eyobrowed, ii. 198. 

, Chocolate, ii. 189. 

Grey-headed, ii. 201. 

, Shy, ii. 203. 

, Sooty, ii. 205. 

, Wandering, ii. 189, 192, 193, 

194, 196. 

, Yellow-nosed, ii. 202. 

albatrus, Diomedea, ii. 189. 
alhimpilla, Clitonyx, liii, lix ; i. 52, 53, 
57, 241. 

albicilln, Fringilla, i. 53. 

, Mohoua, i. 53. 

, Orthonyx, i. 53, 54. 

alhicillus, Certhiparus, i. 53. 
albicolHs, IHraaiitopns, ii. 27. 
albifaties, Athene, i. 198. 

, leraglaux, i. 198. 

-, Sceloglaux, xlii, lix ; i. 198, 247. 

albijlora, Parsonia, i. 3. 
albifrons, Anarhynchns, ii. 9. 

, Miro, xliii, lix; i. 34, 36, 37, 

131. 

, Muscicapa, i. 36. 

, Petroica, i. 36, 38. 

, Sterna, ii. 68. 

, Turdus, i. 36. 

albiscapa, llhipidura, i. 69, 135. 
albistriata, Hydrocholidon, ii. 70. 
albiveMtris, Phalacrocorax, ii. 160, 174. 
alhhntta, Procclstcrna, ii. 78. 
allivittatus, Anous, ii. 78. 
albofroiitata, Acanthiza, i. 49. 

, Gerygone, Ivii ; i. 49, 136. 

albolineata, Ardoa, ii. 129, 133. 
albopecius, Mnseicapa, i. 39. 
albosignata, Eudyptula, ii. 300. 
albostriata, Ilydrochelidon, ii. 70. 
alhus, Hiraantopus, ii. 21. 

Alcedinida), xl, Ixvii. 

Alcedo chlorocephala, i. 121. 

cyanea, i. 121 . 

sacra, i. 121. 

vagans, i. 121. 

Alcidse, xvi. 

Allied Shearwater, ii. 239. 


alpinus, Platycercus, lix ; i. 146, 147. 
altus, Dinornis, xxvii. 
aluco, Syrnium, xlvii. 
arnaurosoma, Ncctris, ii. 232. 

, PuflS.niis, ii. 232. 

American Cardinal, i. 30. 

Toucan, i. 15. 

Amokura, ii. 187. 

Anarhynchns, xxxvii, xxxviii, Ixxi. 

albifrons, ii. 9. 

frontalis, xv, xxxvii ; ii. 9. 

Anas, xxxiii, Ixxxi. 

atrieilla, ii. 273. 

bkmehardi, ii. 260. 

bosehas, ii. 259. 

castanea, ii. 261, 262. 

cheneros, ii. 264. 

chlorotis, xlii ; ii. 257, 260. 

Jtiisehi, ii. 260. 

gihberifrons, xlii, Ivi ; ii. 259, 261. 

gibhifrons, ii. 261. 

gracilis, ii. 261, 262. 

leucophrys, ii. 251. 

malmorhynclms, ii. 276. 

mulleri, ii. 251. 

wovds seelandice, ii. 273. 

novee zealandim, ii. 273. 

punctata, ii. 262. 

rhynchotis, ii. 269. 

^ — - sandwiehensis, ii. 252. 

superciliosa, xlii, xlvii, Ivi ; ii. 251, 

255, 259, 260, 272, 338. 

variegata, ii. 264. 

Anatidae, Ixxxi ; i. 16. 
andersonii, Gavia, ii. 61. 

, Gclastcs, ii. 61. 

Anous albivittaius, ii. 78. 

einereus, ii. 78. 

stolidus, xiii. 

Anser variegata, ii. 264. 

Anseres, xvi, Ixxxi. 

Antarctic Petrel, ii. 229. 
antarctica, Cataracta, ii. 63 

• Prioeella, ii. 229. 

, ProcoUaria, ii. 229. 

, Sterna, ii. 2, 70, 

, Sternula, ii. 70. 

, Thalassocca, ii. 229. 

, Thalassoica, ii. 229. 

antarctieus, Aeipetes, ii. 229. 

, Fulraanis, ii. 229. 

, Lestris, ii. 47, 63. 

, iXIegalestris, ii. 63. 

, Palseeudyptes, xxvi. 

, Stercorarius, ii. 63, 339. 

Anthochsera bulleri, i. 106, 107. 

2y 


342 


INDEX. 


Anthochasra camnculuta, xiii, xiv ; i. 
106. 

leiuini, i. 106, 107. 

Anthoiniza (xmleoaeptmla, i. 85. 
Anthornis, xl, Ixv. 

aurioeida, i. 92. 

melanoeepliala, Ivii ; i. 38, 92. 

melamira, xlii, xliii, lix ; i. 82, 

85, 92, 93, 135, 242. 

nijiceps, i. 85, 86. 

Anthus, Ixiy; i. 115. 

aucL-lancUca, i. 63. 

aucklandicitg, Ivii. 

australis, i. 64. 

grayi, i. 63. 

novm zeahndice, xlii, lix ; i. 63 : 

ii. 338. 

antipoda, EuJyptcs, ii. 294. 

, Pygoscelis, ii. 294. 

, SphcniscuB, ii. 294. 

antipodes, Catarrhactes, ii. 294. 

, Eudyptc-s, ii. 294. 

, Pygoscelis, ii. 294. 

Antipodes-Island Parrakeet, i. 148. 
antipodAim, Clupcilarus, ii. 47. 

■ , Eudyptos, ii. 294. 

, Earns, ii. 47. 

antipodus, Dominicanus, ii. 47. 

, Earns, ii. 47. 

Aplonis atronitens, i. 25. 

australis, i. 25. 

caledonims, xiii ; i. 25. 

eassmii, i. 25. 

fusctis, i. 24, 25. 

marginulis, i. 25. 

marginatu, i. 25. 

marginatws, i. 25. 

rnavornata, i. 25. 

nigroviridis, i. 25. 

ohscurus, i. 23, 24, 25. 

pacificus, i. 25. 

rujlpennis, i. 25. 

striatus, i. 25. 

tahiiensis, i. 25. 

viridtgriseus, i. 25. 

vitiensis, i. 2-5. 

— — zenlandieus, xiii ; i. 23, 24, 25. 
approximans, Circns, i. 206. 

, Circns, = (7. goiddi, i. 247. 

Aprosmietus scapula fus, i. 171. 
Aptenodyta minor, ii. 300. 

Aptenodytcs, Ixxxiii. 

calarractes, ii. 299. 

chi'jisocome, ii. 290. 

jlavilarvata, ii. 294. 

lonf/irostris, xiv ; ii. 306. 

minor, ii. 300. 

papua, ii. 299, 304. 

patdc7ionica,ii. 306. 

pennantii, xiii, xiv ; ii. 306. 

tamiata, ii. 304. 

tmdina, ii. 302. 

Apterodita longirostris, ii. 306. 

papiite, ii. 304. 

Apterygos, xvi, Ixxxiv. 

Apterygidse, xl, Ixxxiv ; ii. 325. 

Apter 3 X, xvi, xix, xxi, xxii, xxiii, xxvi, 
xxvii, XXX, xxxii, xxxvi, xlviii, 
xlix, li, liii, Ixxxiv; i. 105;- ii. 
86, 87, 109, 325, 333. 

australis, xvii, xlii, liii ; ii, 308, 

322, 323, 324, 325, 330, 331. 
, var. viantelli, ii. 323. 


Apteryx lulleri, ii. 308, 322, 324, 326, 
328, 331, 333. 

fitsca, ii. 322. 

haasti, ii. 328, 330, 331. 

rnantelli, xlii ; ii. 308, 322, 323, 

330. 

maxima, ii. 330, 331. 

mollis, ii. 327. 

oiveni, xlii, liii; i. 8 ; ii. 324, 326, 

327, 328, 329, 330, 331. 
Aptornis, xxii, xxiii, xxx. 

bidleri, xxiii. 

defossor, xxiii. 

otidiformis, xxiii. 

apus, Hirundo, i. 116. 
aquila, Atagen, ii. 182. 

, Erogata, ii. 182. 

, Tachypetcs, xl ; i. 68 ; ii. 182. 

aqidlus, Peleoanus, ii. 182. 

, Tachypetcs, ii. 182. 

arhorea, Clielidon, i. 74. 

, Gollocalia, i. 74. 

ArohsDoptoryx, li. 

Ardea, Ixxvi. 

alha, ii. 124, 125. 

alhdlhuata, ii. 129, 133. 

asha, ii. 129. 

atra, ii. 129. 

ccendea, ii. 129. 

■ caledonica, ii. 139. 

cinerea, ii. 129. 

concolor, ii. 129. 

egretta, ii. 124. 

jlavirostris, ii. 124. 

intermedia, ii. 124, 125. 

jiigularis, ii. 129. 

leucops, ii. 134. 

macidaia, ii. 136. 

matoolc, ii. 129. 

minuta, ii. 1 37. 

modesUt, ii. 124. 

novm hollandice, ii. 129, 134, 139. 

pannosa, ii. 129. 

poeciloptera, ii. 141. 

poieeloptera,\\. 141. 

poicilfptila, ii. 141. 

pusilla, ii. 136. 

sacra, xlii; ii. 129, 135. 

sparrmannii, ii. 139. 

sgrmatophora, ii. 124. 

Ardeidoe, Ixxvi. 

Ardeola novai zealandice, ii. 136. 

pusilla, ii. 136. 

Ardetta maculata, ii. 136. 

punctata, ii. 136. 

pusilla, I'd-, ii. 136. 

Arenaria interpres, ii. 14. 
argetrcea, Colnmba, i. 229. 
ariel, Atagen, ii. 185. 

, Prion, ii. 211, 213. 

, Proccllaria, ii. 213. 

, Psendoprion, ii. 213. 

Arinae, i. 180. 
arvensis, Alauda, xliii. 

Ash-coloured Snipe, ii. 38. 
asJia, Ardea, ii. 129. 

■ , Uerndias, ii. 129. 

asiaticus, Phalaropus, ii. 30. 
assimilis, Circus, i. 206. 

, Circus, =jardinii, i. 247. 

, Gerygone, i. 44, 47. 

, Harpagornis, xxv. 

, Puffinua, ii. 218, 236, 239. | 


assimilis, Eallus, ii. 95. 

Astrelata leueocepdiala, ii. 219. 

Atagen aquila, ii. 182. 

ariel, ii. 185. 

Athene alhifacies, i. 198. 

■ ejulans, i. 198. 

noctua, i. 34. 

novm seelandice, i. 192. 

novce zealandice, i. 192. 

parvissima, i. 205, 247. 

atlantica, Prooellaria, ii. 221. 

, Ptorodroma, ii. 221. 

atlanticus, Eulmarns, ii. 221. 
atra, Ardea, ii. 129. 

, Fnlica, ii. 90, 140. 

, Herodias, ii. 129. 

atrata, Chenopis, xlvii. 

, Eudyptes, Ivii. 

atratus, Eudyptes, ii. 296. 
atricilla. Anas, ii. 273. 
atripes. Sterna, ii. 68. 
cdronitens, Aplonis, i. 25. 
Auckland-Island Duck, ii. 263. 

llerganser, ii. 279. 

Shag, ii. 161. 

Snipe, ii. 32. 

auelclandica, Anthus, i. 63. 

, Cffinocorypha, ii. 32. 

, Corydalla, i. 63. 

, Gallinago, Ivii ; ii. 32, 33. 

, Hesonetta, xiii, xiv, xxxvii, Ivii ; 

ii. 263. 

aiwklandious, Anthus, Ivii. 

, Cyanoramphus, i. 137. 

, Platycercus, Ivii ; i. 137, 145, 

147. 

auratus, Charadrius, ii. 6. 
aurieeps, Corijjhilus, i. 142. 

■ , Cyanoramphus, i. 142. 

, Euphema, i. 142. 

, Platycercus, xlii, lix; i. 96, 142, 

145, 147, 149. 
aurioeida, Anthornis, i. 92. 
aurioculus, Falco, i. 200. 
auritus, Graucalus, ii. 162. 

, Ptilotis, i. 101. 

australasiana, Limosa, ii. 40. 
australasianus, Hoematopus, ii. 16. 
Australian Dlaok Swan, xlvii. 

Curlew, ii. 45. 

Darter, ii. 1 75. 

Gannet, ii. 177. 

Ground-Parrakeet, i. 149. 

Honey-eatei’, Iviii ; i. 106. 

Kite, i. 212. 

llagpie, i. 209. 

Masked Plover, ii. 13. 

Moorlien, xlii. 

Quail, i. 226. 

King-Dove, i. 28. 

Koller, xlii ; i. 118. 

EoschiU Parrakeet, i. 196. 

Shrike, i. 66. 

Swift, xlii, Iviii; i. 116. 

Tree-Swallow, xlii; i. 74. 

Wattle- bird, xlii. 

ausfredis, Anthus, i. 64. 

, Aplonis, i. 25. 

■ , Apteryx, xvii, xlii, liii; ii. 308, 

322, 323, 324, 325, 330, 331. 

, var. rnantelli. Apteryx, ii. 323. 

, Aythya, ii. 275. 

, Botaurus, ii. 141. 


australis, Centrourus, i. 150. 

, Cordyline, i. 43. 

, Cypsclus, i. 116. 

, Eurvstomus, i. 118. 

, Falco, i. 213, 214, 219. 

, Harpa, i. 220. 

, Hieracidea, i. 215. 

, llergus, Ivii ; ii. 279. 

, Micropus, i. 116. 

, Miro, liii, lix ; i. 33, 36, 37, 87, 

88, 209, 239. 

, Nestor, i. 150. 

, Numenius, ii. 45. 

, Nyroca, Ivi ; ii, 275. 

, Ocydromus, xlii, liii ; i. 249 ; ii. 

105, 116, 119, 120, 331,337. 

, Petroica, i. 33. 

, Podiceps, ii. 283. 

, Prion, ii. 212. 

, Psittacus, i. 150. 

, liallus, ii. 116. 

, Sohosniclus, ii. 37. 

, Sula, ii. 177. 

, Synoious, i. 226. 

, Tringa, ii. 35, 37. 

, Turdus, i. 33. 

Austrocoraces, i. 30. 

Avocet, Red-necked, ii. 20. 

Avoootta norm zealandice, ii. 20. 

Aythya australis, ii. 275. 
azarce, Domiuioanus, ii. 47. 

, Larus, ii. 47. 

azureus, Eurystomus, i. 120. 

balthica, Syloehelidon, ii. 73. 

Panded Dottrel, ii. 2, 3, 39. 

, nesting of, ii. 15. 

Rail, ii. 95, 98, 104, 336. 

bauJcsi, Pachyptila, ii. 211. 
banJcsii, Prion, ii. 210, 211,212, 213. 

, ProcoUaria, ii. 211. 

, Pseudoprion, ii. 211. 

Banks’s Doye Peti’el, ii. 211. 

Bar-tailed Godwit, xl. 
baueri, Limosa, xv ; ii. 40. 

Bee-eater, Poc, i. 94. 

, "Wattled, i. 106. 

Bell-bird, lix ; i. 27, 85, 238 ; ii. 336. 

, Chatliam-Island, i. 92. 

berard, Procellaria, ii. 208. 
berardii, Haladroma, ii. 207, 208. 

, Pcleoanoides, ii. 208. 

Biirard’s Diving-Petrel, ii. 208. 
bivincta, Hiatieula, ii. 3. 
bicindus, jEgialitis, ii. 3. 

, Charadrius, ii. 3. 

, Ochthodromus, ii. 3. 

Bittern, Black-tailcd, ii. 141. 

, Little, Ivi ; ii. 136. 

Black-backed Bittern, ii. 141. 

Gallinule, ii. 79. 

GuU, ii. 57. 

, Southern, ii. 45. 

Black-bellied Storm-Petrel, ii. 249. 
Black-billed GuU, ii. 58, 60. 

Blackbird, xlvii; i. 242. 
Black-eyebrowed Albatros, ii. 198. 
Black-faced Crow, i. 66. 

Black Eantail, lix ; i. 72, 73. 
Black-fronted Tern, ii. 2, 70. 

Black Oyster-catcher, ii. 17, 18, 29. 

Penguin, ii. 296. 

Petrel, ii. 242. 


INDEX. 


Black Shag, ii. 145, 160. 

Stilt, ii. 24, 26. 

Swan, xlviii ; ii. 19, 98. 

, Australian, xlvii. 

Teal, ii. 273. 

Tern, "White-winged, ii. 77. 

Tomtit, ii. 330. 

Woodben, ii. 112, 114. 

blanehardi. Anas, ii. 260. 

Blight-bird, xli ; i. 82 ; ii. 64. 

Blue Billy, ii. 220. 

Duck, ii. 276, 278, 337. 

Heron, ii. 129. 

Mountaiii-Parrot, i. 171. 

Penguin, ii. 300. 

Petrel, ii. 214. 

Blue-wattled Crow, lix ; i. 1. 
Boatswain-bird, ii. 188. 

Bonaparte’s Shearwater, ii. 230. 
borealis, Strepsilas, ii. 14. 
boschas. Anas, ii. 259. 

Botaurus, Ixxvi. 

australis, ii. 141. 

melanotus, ii. 141. 

■posciloptlla,\\. 141. 

pceriloptilus, Ivi. 

23oicilo])ierus, ii. 141. 

poieiloptihis, ii. 141. 

stellaris, ii. 142. 

braehipus, Rallus, ii. 100. 
brachypterus, Gallirallus, ii. 120. 

, Ocydromus, liii ; ii. 105, 107, 119, 

120, 335. 

Brachypteryx, ii. 86. 
brachypus, Lewinia, ii. 100. 

, Rallus, Ivii. 

braehjura, Diomedca, ii. 196. 
Break-bones, ii, 227. 
brevicaudatim, Puffinus, ii. 230. 
brevicaudus, Neotris, ii. 230. 

, Priofinus, ii. 230. 

, Puffinus, ii. 2.30. 

brevipes, Actitis, ii. 38. 

, Heteroscclu-s, ii. 38. 

, Limosa, ii. 40. 

, Procellaria, ii. 217. 

, Totanus, ii. 38. 

brevirostris, Carbo, ii. 168. 

, Graoalus, ii. 168. 

. — — , IlalieuB, ii. 168. 

, Microcarbo, ii. 168. 

, Plialacrocorax, ii. 148, 154, 168, 

169, 170, 171,173, 335. 

British Red-breasted Merganser, ii. 
279. 

Broad-billed Dove Petrel, ii.. 212. 

Petrol, ii. 212. 

Bronze Cuckoo, i. 135. 

Brown-billed Gull, ii. 61. 

Brown Duck, ii. 257. 

Kiwi, ii. 328. 

Parrot, i. 217. 

, Southern, i. 150. 

Petrol, ii. 241. 

River-Shag, Large, ii. 146. 

Saddlc-back, i. 23. 

Shag, ii. 163. 

Woodheu, ii. 115. 

Bruohigavia coraUinus, ii. 61. 

gouldi, ii. 61. 

jamesonii, ii. 61. 

melanorlij/neha, ii. 58, 59. 

melanorhjjncJms, ii. 58. 


343 

Bruohigavia ;)oware, ii. 61. 
brunnea, Falco, i. 216. 

, Hieracidea, i. 214, 220, 224. 

brunneus, Falco, i. 214, 220. 

, Harpe, i. 220. 

Buff-crowned Parrot, i. 146. 

Buff Woodhon, ii. 119. 
bulleri, Anthoebajra, i. 106, 107. 

, Apteryx, ii. 308, 322, 324, 326, 

328, 331, 333. 

, Aptornis, xxiii. 

, Larus, ii. 54, 58, 59, 76. 

, , outer primaries of, ii. 62. 

, Puffinus, ii. 240, 335. 

BuUer’s Shearwater, ii. 240. 

Bush-Hawk, i. 220. 

Bush-lVarbler, i. 50. 

Bush- Wren, lix ; i. 108. 


Cabalus, xxxvii, Ixxv. 

dieffenbachii, Ixxv; ii. 121, 122, 

123. 

modesius, Ivii ; ii. 122, 123. 

Ctenooorypha aucJdandica, ii. 32. 
ccerulea, Ardea, ii. 129. 

, Halobacna, ii. 214. 

, Pachyptila, ii. 214. 

, Procellaria, ii. 214. 

Cairuleau Warbler, i. 77. 
ccerulesoens, Zosterops, liv, Iviii, lix ; i. 

G5, 77, 84, 135, 136; ii. 338. 
ccBruleus, Fulmarus, ii. 214. 
calcitrans, Cnemiornis, xxvi. 

Caledonian Night-Heron, ii. 139. 
caledonica, Ardea, ii. 139. 

, Nyctiardea, ii. 139. 

ealedonicus, Aplonis, xiii ; i. 25. 

, Nyctioorax, ii. 139. 

Calidris canutm, ii. 35. 
calidris, Tringa, ii. 35. 

Californian Quail, i. 123, 226, 249. 
californicus, Lophortyx, i. 249. 

, Ortyx, i. 226. 

CaUaeas cinerea, i.5. 

olivascens, i. 1. 

wilsoni, i. 1. 

callceas, Cryptorhina, i. 5. 

Caloenas nicobarira, i. 250. 

Calornis cantoroides, i. 25. 
Campbell-Island Shag, ii. 16T. 
Campephaga _/irr((( 7 'in«a, i. 31. 

melanojis, i. 66, 

Campephagidae, xl, Ixiv. 

“ Canary,” i. 56. 

Candida, Domiegretta, ii. 132. 

, Gygis, ii. ;138. 

Candidas, Himautopus, ii. 29. 
camrus, Cucnlus, i. 128, 248. 
cantoroides, Calornis, i. 25. 

Canutus cinereus, ii. 35. 

islandkus, ii. 35. 

rufesoens, ii. 35. 

canutus, Calidris, ii. 35. 

, Tringa, xl ; ii. 35, 39. 

Cap do Bonne Esperanoe, L’Abatros du, 
ii. 189. 

Cape-Goose, xlviii. 

“ Cape-Hen,” ii. 205. 

Cape-Pigeon, ii. 215, 220. 
capensis, Daption, ii. 215. 

, Procellaria, ii. 215. 

, Tanagra, i. 31. 

2t2 


344 


INDEX. 


Carbo brevirostris, ii. 168. 

flavagula, ii. 168. 

fiicoms, ii. 149. 

graculus, ii. 145. 

h>/j>oleucits, ii. 149. 

leucogaster, ii. 149. 

jmrjmrascens, ii. 155. 

carbo, Malacroeorax, ii. 146. 
carhoides, Graculus, ii. 145. 

, Graucalus, ii. 145. 

, Phalacrocorax, ii. 145. 

Cardinal, American, i. 30. 

Cardinalis virginiamis, i. 30. 

Carduelis, i. 113. 

Carinatse, xxxTi, xxxvii, Ixi ; ii. 109. 
carneipes, Majaqneua, ii. 234. 

, Procellaria, ii. 234. 

, Puffinus, ii. 233, 234. 

Carpophaga, Ivi, Ixx ; i. 250. 

coneinna, i. 250. 

forsteri, i. 250. 

galeata, i. 250. 

goliath, i. 2.50. 

novce seelandice, i. 229. 

mvce zedlandice, xlii, Iviii, lix ; i. 

34, 229. 

spadicea, i. 231. 

carunculata, Acantboccra, xlii. 

, Acanthochaara, xiii, xiv, xl, liv ; i. 

68, 106, 107. 

, Ptilotis, i. 249. 

Carunculated Sbag, ii. 155, 157. 
carunmdatus, Corvus, i. 106. 

, Creadio, i. 18. 

, Creadion, xlii, liii, lix; i. 18, 21, 

52, 106, 238. 

, Gracnlus, ii. 153. 

, Leucocarbo, ii. 155. 

, Merops, i. 106. 

, Oxj'stomus, i. 18. 

, Pelecanus, ii. 155. 

, Phalacrocorax, ii. 153, 155, 157, 

161, 162. 

, Sturnus, i. 18. 

, Xanthornus, i. 18. 

Casarca, Ixxxi. 

— — rutila, .ii. 266. 

variegata, Ivi ; ii. 144, 253, 264. 

Casarka castanea, ii. 264. 
caspia, Hydroprogne, ii. 73. 

, Sterna, ii. 73. 

, Sylocbelidou, ii. 73. 

Caspian Tern, ii. 73. 
caspius, Helopus, ii. 73. 

, Tbalasseus, ii. 73. 

cassinii, Aplonis, i. 25. 

Cassowary, li ; ii. 325. 
castanea. Anas, ii. 261, 262. 

, Casarka, ii. 264. 

, Virago, ii. 261. 

Casuariuns, ii. 325. 
casiuirinus, Dinomis, xx, xxxii. 
Cataraota antarctica, ii. 63. 

Catarractcs chri/socome, ii. 290. 
catarraetes, Aptonodytes, ii. 299. 

, Lestri.s, ii. 63. 

Catarrhactes antipodes, ii. 294. 

minor, ii. 300. 

catarrhactes, Stercorurius, ii. 65. 
caiita, Diomcdea, ii. 201, 202, 203. 

(Tbalassarcbo), ii. 203. 

Cayenne Tern, ii. 183. 

Ceblepyris melanops, i. 66. 


Cecropis nigricans, i. 74. 

Centrourus australis, i. 150. 

Ceropia crassirostris, i. 31. 

Certhia heterocUtes, i. 56. 

melanura, i. 85. 

oli'uacea, i. 85. 

sannio, i. 85. 

Certhiparus, liv, Ixiii. 

albicillas, i. 53. 

cinerea, i. 53. 

nu(calicaudus,i. 51. 

novce seelandim, i. 51. 

nova, zealandice, lix ; i. 51, 52. 

novce zelandiw, i. .51. 

ochrocephalus, i. 56. 

senilis, i. 53. 

Chaffinch, xlvii. 

Chalcites hicidus, i. 132. 
chahites, Chrysococcyx, i. 132. 

, Cuculua, i. 132. 

ehaleonotus, Gracalus, ii. 162, 163, 171. 

Phalacrocorax, ii. 159, 162, 163. 

CharadriidsB, Ixx ; ii. 27. 

Charadrius, Ixx. 

auraius, ii. 6. 

bicinctus, ii. 3. 

• cladoroa, ii. 11. 

frontalis, ii. 9. 

fulvtts, xl, Ivi ; i. 68 ; ii. 6. 

glareola, ii. 1. 

glauoopis, ii. 6. 

lobatus, ii. 13. 

novce seelandio!, ii. 11. 

nova zealandia, ii. 11. 

obscurus, xiv, xv ; ii. 1. 

pluvialis, ii. 6. 

raficapillus, ii. 5. 

sinelus, ii. 14. 

taitensis, ii. 6. 

torqaatula, ii. 11. 

utopdensis, ii. 35. 

■ virginianus, ii. 6. 

virginims, ii. 6. 

■ xanthoclieilm, ii. 6; 

Chatham- Island Boll-bird, i. 92. 

P’erd-bird, i. 62. 

Robin, i. 38. 

Shag, ii. 166. 

Snipe, ii. 33. 

Warbler, i. 49. 

Chats, i. 37. 

Chelidon arborea, i. 74. 

Chenalopex cegyptiaca, xlviii. 
clieneros, Anas, ii. 264. 

Chenopsis utrata, xlvii. 
Chestnut-breasted Plover, ii. 3. 

Chick of White-headed Stilt, ii. 23. 
Chicken, Mother Carey’s, ii. 187. 
chilensis, Stercorarius, ii. 65. 

Chinese Pheasant, i. 226. 

Chionis, xvi. 

chloris, Acanthidositta, lix ; i. 113, 243. 

, Halcyon, i. 126. 

, Muscicapa, i. 56. 

, Sitta, i. 113. 

chlorocephala, Aleedo, i. 121. 
chlor'orhyncha, Diomedea, ii. 194, 202, 
204, 206. 

, Procellaria, ii. 235. 

, Thiellus, ii. 235. 

chlororhynchos, Diomcdea, ii. 201, 202. 

, Puffinus, ii. 235. 

chlororhynchus, Puffinus, ii. 235, 240. 


chlorotis. Anas, xlii ; ii. 257, 260. 
Chocolate Albatros, ii. 189. 
Chrysococcyx, Iv, Ixviii ; i. 248. 

chalcites, i. 132. 

lucidus, liv, Iv, Iviii, lix ; i. 45, 

129, 132, 136, ; ii. 338. 

plagosvs, Iv ; i. 132. 

smaragdineus, i. 131. 

Chrysocoma minor, ii. 300. 

pacliyrhynehus, ii. 287. 

papua, ii. 304. 

saltator, ii. 290. 

chrysocoma, Eudyptes, ii. 287, 299. 
chrysocome, Aptenodytes, ii. 290. 

, Catarraetes, ii. 290. 

, Eudyptes, ii. 289, 290, 291, 

297. 

, Sphenisous, ii. 290. 

chrysocomus, Eudyptes, ii. 287. 
chrysolopha, Eudyptes, ii. 290, 291. 
chrysolophus, Eudyptes, ii. 297, 298. 
chrysorhina, Acanlhiza, i. 135. 
cindnnatus, Merops, i. 94. 

, Philemon, i. 94. 

Cinclus interpres, ii. 14. 

morinetlus, ii. 14. 

cincta, Meliphaga, i. 101. 

, I’ogonornis, lix ; i. 101, 103, 242 ; 

ii. 336. 

, Ptilotis, i. 101. 

cinerea, Callasas, i. 5. 

, Certhiparus, i. 53. 

, Glaucopis, xlii, liii, lix ; i. 1, 5. 

Perdix, i. 226. 

, Procellaria, ii. 241. 

, Sterna, ii. 70, 78. 

, Tringa, ii. 35. 

Cinereous P’ulmar, ii. 241. 

Wattle-bird, i. 5. 

cinereus, Adamastor, ii. 241. 

, Anous, ii. 78. 

, Canutus, ii. 35. 

, Creadion, liii, lix; i. 19, 21, 22, 

238. 

, Priofinus, ii. 241. 

, Puffinus, ii. 241. 

cinnamomina, Halcyon, xiii. 

Circus, Ivi, Ixix ; i. 214. 

approximans, i. 206. 

= C. gouldi, i. 247. 

assimilis, i. 206. 

—jardinii, i. 247. 

cyaneus, i. 209. 

gouldi, xlii, lix ; i. 206, 247, 248 ; 

ii. 65, 152, 253, 277, 338. 

=0. approximans, i. 247, 

, outline of, lx. 

jardinii, i. 207. 

maillardi, i. 206, 248. 

wolfi, i. 207, 247. 

cirrhatiis, Pelecanus, ii. 157. 

— — , Phalacrocorax, ii. 153, 157, 159. 
citrina, Motacilla, i. 113. 

, Sjdvia, i. 113. 

Citrine Warbler, i. 113. 
citrinella, Motacilla, i. 113. 

Clitonyx, liv, Ixiii ; i. 39, 52, 58. 

albicapnlla, liii, lix ; i. 52, 53, 57, 

241. 

ochrocephala, liii, lix ; i. 20, 56, 

241. 

Clupeilarus antipodum, ii. 47. 
elypeata. Spatula, ii. 271. 


INDEX. 


345 


Cnemiornis calcitrans, xxvi. 
coeeinea, Vestaria, i. 105. 

Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested, i. 160. 
colvhicus^ Phasianus, i. 226. 
colensoi, Phalacrocorax, ii. 161. 
collai'is, MorineUa, ii. 14. 

, Strepsilaa, ii. 14. 

Collocalia arborea, i. 74. 

Colluricincla coneinna, i. 66. 

Columba argetrcea, i. 229. 

livia, xvi. 

tiovcs seelandicB, i. 229. 

spadivea, i. 229. 

leiwoplicea, i. 229. 

zealandica, i. 229. 

Columbse, xiv, Ixx. 

Columbida;, xl, Ixx ; i. 250. 

Col 5 'inbus cormitus, ii. 283. 

cristatus, ii. 283. 

urinator, ii. 283. 

Comic on Pheasant, xl\ii. 

Sea-Gull, i. 210. 

Sheldrake, ii. 266. 

Swallow, i. 76. 

Thrush, xlvii. 

coneinna, Carpophaga, i. 250. 

, Colluricincla, i. 66. 

conclmuita, Prosthemadera, i. 94. 
concinnus, Graucalus, i. 66, 67. 
concolor, Ardea, ii. 129. 

, Demiegretta, ii. 129. 

, Herodias, ii. 129. 

coohii, iEstrelata, ii. 217. 

, Fulmarus, ii. 217. 

, Gistrelata, ii. 217, 218, 239, 246. 

, Platycercus, i. 137, 145. 

, Procellaria, ii. 217. 

, Illiantistes, ii. 217. 

Cookilaria lencoptera, ii. 217. 

mollis, ii. 222. 

vdox, ii. 217. 

Cook’s Petrol, ii. 21 7. 
coopt ri, Accipiter, i. 128. 

Cooper’s Sparrow-Hawk, i. 128. 

Coot, xxii. 

Coracias paoifica, i. 118, 

Coraeiida3, Ixvii. 
corallims, Bruchigavia, ii. 61. 

, Gclastcs, ii. 61. 

Cordyline australis, i. 43. 

Corethnu'a tahnensis, ii. 101. 

Coriphilus auriceps, i. 142. 

nova) zeelandice, i. 137. 

Cormorant, Ivii. 
cormitus, Colymbus, ii. 283. 

Corvida;, xvi, Ixi ; i. 8, 16, 30, 237. 
Corvus, i. 16. 

carunculatus, i. 106. 

melanops, i. 66. 

paradoxus, i. 106. 

Corydalla aiicklandica, i. 63. 

. nova) zealandice, i. 63. 

Coturnix, Ixx. 

novee zealandia, lix ; i. 225. 

peetoralis, i. 226, 228. 

Crane, White, i. 221. 
crass irostris, Ceropia, i. 31. 

, Eurystomus, i. 120. 

, Keropia, i. 31. 

, A’eomorpha, i. 7, 8. 

, Tringa, ii. 36. 

, Turdus, i. 31. 

, Turnagra, liii, lix ; i. 26, 31, 237. 


crassus, Dinornis, xx, xxii, xxviii ; ii. 
334. 

Creadio caranculatus, i. 18. 

Creadion, Ixii ; i. 8. 

carunculatus, xlii, liii, lix ; i. 18, 

21, 52, 106, 238. 

eimreus, liii, lix ; i. 19, 21, 22, 238. 

pliar aides, i. 18. 

Creeper, Mocking, i. 85. 

, New-Zcaland, lix ; i. 51, 94. 

crepidatus, Larus, ii. 66. 

, Stercorarius, ii. 66. 

crepitans, Kallus, i. 209. 

Crested Penguin, ii. 287, 296. 

Cre's. plumhea, ii. 101. 

pratensis, ii. 98. 

crex, Ortygometra, xiii. 
crispieollis, Sturuus, i. 94. 
cristata, Lophaithyia, ii. 283. 

, Pinguinaria, ii. 299. 

o-istatus, Colymbus, ii. 283. 

, Podiceps, ii. 283, 284, 285. 

Crow, i. 237. 

, Black-faced, i. 66. 

, Blue -wattled, lix ; i. 1. 

, New-Zealand, xvi. 

, Orange- wattled, lix ; i. 5, 6. 

, Piping, i. 4. 

, Wattled, i. 106. 

Crymophilus rufns, ii. 30. 

Cryptorhina callceas, i. 5. 

Crypturus tataupa, ii. 333. 

Cuckoo, Ivi ; i. 37, 44, 46, 128. 

, Bronze, i. 135. 

, English, i. 1 28. 

, Long -tailed, xli, Iv, lix; i. 27, 

127, 128, 248 ; ii. 338. 

, Shining, xli, liv, Iv, lix ; i. 48, 

129, 132, 136, 248 ; ii. 338. 

, Society, i. 127. 

Cuculidaa, Ixviii ; i. 248. 

CuouluB canoriis, i. 128, 248. 

chalcites, i. 132. 

fasciutus, i. 127. 

lucidus, i. 132. 

nitens, i. 132. 

taitensis, i. 127. 

taitius, i. 127. 

versicolor, i. 132. 

ewlminala, Hiomedea, ii. 201, 204, 206. 
cuneicamla, Eudynamys, i. 127. 

Curlew, Australian, ii. 45. 

Curnica vjata, i. 44. 
curtus, Dinornis, xxi, xxvi, xxvii. 
cyama, Alcedo, i. 121. 
cyaiieus, Circus, i. 209. 
cyanicoUis, Eurystomus, i. 120. 
cyanoceplialus, Porphyrio, ii. 79. 
cyanopas, Numcnius, xl. 

, Siila, ii. 338. 

Cyanoramphus aiicl-laiulicus, i. 137. 

auriceps, i. 142. 

erythrotis, i. 137. 

malherbi, i. 1 42. 

novel! guinea!, i. 137. 

nova) zelandio), i. 137. 

unicolor, i. 148. 

Cyauorhamphus, i. 180. 

saisetti, i. 139. 

saisseti, i. 137. 

Cymbirhj’nchus, i. 110. 

Cymotomus obscurus, ii. 238. 

Cypsolidse, Ixvii. 


Cypselus, Ixvii. 

australis, i. 116. 

murarius, i. 117. 

pacijicus, xlii; i. 116, 117. 

vittata, i. 116. 

Dabchiek, Hew Zealand, ii. 280, 

Dacelo gigas, i. 120. 

sancta, i. 121. 

Daption, Ixxix. 

capetuis, ii. 215. 

Darter, Australian, ii. 175. 

, New-HoUand, ii. 175. 

Dasyptilus i. 157. 

defossor, Aptomis, xxiii. 
delicatida, Strix, i. 205. 
demersus, Phaeton, ii. 299. 

Demiegretta Candida, ii. 132. 

concolor, ii. 129. 

novee hollaudice, ii. 134. 

Dendrocygna, Ixxxii. 

eytoni, Ivi ; ii. 268. 

deserti, Muscicapa, i. 72. 
diadematiis, Eudyptes, ii. 291, 297. 

, Spheniscus, ii. 298. 

Dicaeid®, liv. 

didiformis, Dinornis, xix, xxi, xxiv, 
xxvii, xxviii. 

didinus, Dinornis, xxiv, xxvii, xxxii. 
Didus, xix; ii. 108. 

ineptus, xix. 

dieffenbachi, Hypotnenidia, ii. 121. 
dieffenbachii, Cabalus, Ixxv ; ii. 121, 
122, 123. 

, Hypotoenidia, ii. 121. 

, Miro, i. 40, 42, 43. 

, Myiomoira, i. 42. 

, OcyMromus, ii. 121. 

, Petroica, i. 42, 43. 

, Ballns, Ivii; ii. 121, 122, 123. 

Dieffenbach’s Bail, ii. 121. 
diloplms, Hydrocorax, ii. 164. 
Dinornithida}, xxv, xxvi. 

Dinornis, xvii, xix, xx, xxi, xxii, xxiii, 
xxv, xxvi, XXX, xxxii, xxxiii, 
xlix, liii, Ivi; ii. 86, 260, 325, 
329, 333. 

■ altus, xxvii. 

casuarinus, xx, xxxii. 

crassus, xx, xxii, xxvii ; ii. 334. 

curtus, xxi, xxvi, xxvii. 

didiformis, xix, xxi, xxiv, xxvii, 

xxviii. 

didinus, xxiv, xxvii, xxxii. 

dromioides, xx, xxi, xxvii. 

elepliantopns, xxii, xxiii, xxvii ; ii. 

333, 334. 

geranoides, xxiii, xxvii. 

giganteus, xix, xxii, xxiv, xxvii. 

gracilis, xxiv, xxvii. 

gravis, xxiii, xxvii. 

huttoni, xxvii. 

ingens, xix, xx, xxi, xxvii, xxx, 

xxxiii. 

maximus, xxv, xxvii. 

otidiformis, xix. 

oweni, xxvi, xxvii. 

parvus, xxv, xxvii, xxxiii. 

rheides, xxiii, xxvii. 

robastus, xxiii, xxvii, xxix ; ii. 

333, 334. 

struthioides xix, xx, xxiiv, xxviii. 

Diomedea, xxxiii, Ixxviii. 


346 


INDEX. 


Diomedea achisia, ii. 189. 

alhatrug, ii. 189. 

hmchyura, ii. 196. 

cauta, ii. 201, 202, 203. 

(ThaJassarche) eauta, ii. 203. 

cJdororhyncha, ii. 194, 202, 204, 

20G. 

chJororhf/jiehos, ii. 201 202. 

eulminata, ii. 201, 204,206. 

■ exuluns, ii. 189, 194, 195, 197, 

198, 204, 206, 220. 

fulhjinosa, ii. 204, 205 220. 

fused, ii. 205. 

melanophrys. ii. 197, 198 202, 

204, 206, 220, 288. 

palpehrata, ii. 205. 

spddicen, ii. 189, 205. 

Diving Petrel, ii. 65, 199, 207, 234. 

, Berard’s, ii. 208. 

Dodo, li. 

Domestic Duck, ii. 259. 
domesticus, Passer, xliv ; i. 123. 
Dominicanus antipodus, ii. 47. 

azanv, ii. 47. 

dominicanus, Larus, slii ; i. 210 ; ii. 47, 
64, 69. 

dorsalis, Zosterops, i. 77. 

Dottrel, Banded, ii. 2, 3, 39. 

, nestling of Banded, ii. 15. 

, New-Zealand, ii. 1. 

, Ecd-capped, ii. 5, 39. 

Doubtful Petrel, ii. 220. 

Dove Petrel, ii. 64, 209. 

, Banks’s, ii. 211. 

, Broad-billed, ii. 212. 

, Gould’s, ii. 212. 

-■ , Bock, xvi. 

Dromseus, ii. 325. 

Dromas, svi. 

Dromieeius nova zealandia, ii. 322. 
dromioides, Dinornis, xx, xxi, xxvii. 
Dromornis, lii. 

Duck, Ivii. 

, Auckland-Island, ii. 263. 

, Blue, ii. 276, 278, 337. 

■ , Brown, ii. 257. 

, Domestic, ii. 259. 

, Grey, xlvii, Ivi ; ii. 251, 259, 272, 

338. 

, Mountain, Ivi. 

, New-Zealand, ii. 273. 

, Paradise, ii. 19, 265, 267. 

, Soft-billed, ii. 276. 

, Spoon-bill, ii. 269. 

, Supercilious, ii. 251. 

— , White-eyed, ii. 275. 

, Wbitc-wingod, Ivi. 

, Whistling, ii. 268. 

dudoroa, Cbaradrins, ii. 11. 
dumerilii, Pbiledon, i. 85. 

Dun-rumped Swallow, i. 74. 

Dusky Petrel, ii. 238. 

Plover, ii. 1. 

■ Shearwater, ii. 238. 

Dysporus, Ixxvii. 

piscator, xiii. 

serrator, ii. 177. 

Eagle, New-Zealand, ii. 183. 

, White-bellied Sea-, i. 212. 

earli, Ocydromus, xlii, liii; ii. 105, 107, 
115, 119, 120. 

Eastern Golden Plover, xl, Ivi ; ii. 6. 


ef/reita, Ardea, ii. 124. 

Egyptian Goose, xlviii. 
ejulans, Athene, i. 198. 
elepJianiojms, Dinornis, xxii, xxiii, xxvii, 
xxxii ; ii. 333, 334. 

Emperor Shag, ii. 153. 

Emeu, li. 

Emu, ii. 325. 

English Cuckoo, i. 128. 

Pheasant, i. 226. 

Erythacus, i. 34, 40. 
erythrotis, Cyanorampbus, i. 137. 

, Platycercus, i. 137, 145. 

esslinyii, Nestor, i. 152. 

Eudynamis, Ixviii; i. 129, 248. 

tahitiensis, i. 127. 

taitensis, Iv, Ivi, Iviii, lix ; i. 37, 

44, 45, 127, 131 ; ii. 338. 

taitiensis, i. 127. 

Eudynaraj's mneicauda, i. 127. 

tahitius, i. 127. 

Eud 3 ’ptes, Ixxxiii. 

antipoda, ii. 294. 

antipodes, ii. 294. 

antipodwm, ii. 294. 

atraia, Ivii. 

atratas, ii. 296. 

cJirysoconut, ii. 287, 299. 

chrysoeome, ii. 289, 290, 291, 297. 

ehrysocomus, ii. 287. 

chrysotopha, ii. 290, 291, 297, 298. 

diadeinatas, ii. 291, 297. 

fdhoK, ii. 290, 291. 

nigriventris, ii. 290. 

nigrivestis, ii. 290. 

paehyrliyneha, ii. 287. 

pachiirltynchiis, ii. 287, 289, 290, 

291, 296, 299, 303, 335. 

papua, ii. 304. 

• — — saltator, ii. 290, 291. 

• schleyeli, ii. 298. 

sclateri, ii. 289. 

vittata, ii. 299. 

Eirdyptila minor, ii. 300. 

Eudyptula, xxxiii, Ixxxiii. 

alhosigwita, ii. 300. 

minor, ii, 300, 302, 303. 

undina, ii. 302, 303. 

Eulabeornis, Iv. 

lafresnayanus, ii. 122. 

pJiilippemis, ii. 95. 

Euphema, i. 180. 

auriceps, i. 142. 

■ nova zeelandia, i. 137. 

European Kestrel, i. 122. 

Owl, i. 34. 

Oyster-catcher, ii. 17. 

Euryapteryx, xxvi. 

Eurylscmus, i. 110. 

Eurj-stomus, Ixvii. 

australis, i. 118. 

- — — azureus, i. 120. 

crassirosiris, i. 120. 

cyanieoUis, i, 120, 

orientnlis, i. 120. 

paeificus, xlii; i. 68, 118, 120. 

eximius, Platycercus, i. 171, 196. 
exulans, Diomedea, ii. 189, 194, 195, 
197, 198, 204, 206, 220. 
eytoni, Dcndrocygna, Ivi ; ii. 268. 

, Leptotarsis, ii. 268. 

faircliildii, Platjmercus, i. 148, 149. 


Ealco aunoeulus, i. 206. 

australis, i. 213, 214, 219. 

hrunnea, i. 216. 

hrumu.us, i. 214, 220. 

femoralis, i. 218. 

ferox, i. 214, 216, 217, 220. 

hai-pe, i. 206, 213, 214. 

7iova seelandia, i. 213. 

zealandite, i. 214, 216, 218. 

p>eregrinus, i. 217. 

suhniger, i, 212. 

Ealcon, Gyr, ii. 183. 

, New Zealand, i. 213. 

Ealconid®, Ixix ; i. 247. 

Fantail, Black, lix ; i. 72, 73. 

, Pied, lix ; i. 27, 69, 73. 

E.an-tailcd Flycatcher, i. 23, 69. 
fasciatus, Cuculus, i. 127. 
featherstoni, Phalaorooorax, Ivii; ii. 166. 
Eern-bird, lix; i. 59. 

, Chalham-Island, i. 62. 

, Fulvous, i. 61. 

Eern-Sparrow, ii. 98. 

ferox, Ealco, i. 214, 216, 217, 220. 

, Harpa, Ivii; i. 216, 219, 220. 

ferruginea, Campophaga, i. 31. 

, Tringa, ii. 35. 

filholi, Eudyptes, ii. 290, 291. 
finsehi, Anas, ii. 260. 

, Ocydromus, ii. 105, 112, 113, 

120. 

, Phalacrooorax, ii. 168, 169, 170, 

173, 335. 

Fi.sh-eye, i. 242. 

Eish-Hawk, i. 222. 
jissipes. Sterna, ii. 77. 
jlahellifera, Muscioapa, i. 69. 

, Bhipidura, lix; i. 23, 69, 72, 

73. 

ftavrupda, Carbo, ii. 168. 
fiavilarvala, Aptonodytes, ii. 294. 
flavirlvynclms, Phalacrooorax, ii. 173. 
flavirostris, Ardea, ii. 124. 

, Graucalus, ii. 173. 

, Herodias, ii. 124. 

flaviventris, Acanthiza, i. 44. 

, Gerygone, xiii, lix ; i. 44, 47, 49, 

50, 129, 135, 136, 240, 241, 
248. 

Elcsh-footed Shearwater, ii. 233. 
Jlumima, Ortj’gometra, xiii. 

Flycatcher, i. 14, 114. 

• -, Ean-tailcd, i. 23, 69. 

, White-shafted, i. 135. 

, Yellow-headed, i. 56. 

formosus, Pezoporns, i. 149. 
forsteri, Carpophaga, i. 250. 

, Pachyptila, ii. 212. 

, Platycercus, i. 137, 139, 145. 

, Proccllaria, ii. 212, 214. 

, Eallus, ii. 95, 97. 

forstero7-um, Malacorhynchus, ii. 276. 

, Miro, i. 42. 

Forster’s Shearwater, ii. 236. 
foxii, Limosa, ii. 40. 

Fregata aquila, ii. 182. 

minor, ii. 185. 

fregata, Pelagodroma, ii. 248. 

, Thalassidroma, ii. 248. 

Fregetta, Ixxviii, Ixxxi. 

grallaria, ii. 250. 

melanogastra, ii. 249. 

Frigate bird, ii. 220. 


INDEX. 


347 


frigate bird, Great, ii. 182. 

, Small, ii. 185. 

Frigate Pelican, ii. 182. 

, Lesser, ii. 185. 

, Palmerston, ii. 182. 

, Wbite-headed, ii. 182. 

Petrel, ii. 248. 

FriUed Shag, ii. 173. 

Friugilla albicilla, i. 53. 
frontalis^ Anarh 3 ’nchus, xv, xxxvii ; ii. 
9. 

, Charadrius, ii. 9. 

, Hirundo, i. 76. 

, Sterna, ii. 60, 65, 68, 72, 77, 

133. 

, Thiuornis, ii. 9. 

fiicosus, Carbo, ii. 149. 

Fulica atra, ii. 90, 140. 

novce itenlandice, ii. 1 40 

Fulicm, ii. 140. 
ftilicaria, Tringn, ii. 30, 
fiiliearius, Phalaropus, xl ; ii. 30. 
ftdiyinosii , .Sstrolata, ii. 221. 

, Diomodoa, ii. 204, 205, 220. 

, iMuscicapa, i. 72. 

, QSstrolata, ii. 221. 

, Phmbetria, ii. 205. 

, Procellaria, ii. 221, 232. 

, Pterodroma, ii. 221. 

, llhipidura, lix ; i. 23, 72, 73. 

ftilitjinosiis, Hmraatopus, ii. 18. 

, Totanus, ii. 38. 

Fuligulii, Ixxxii. 

novie zealaridice, Ivi ; ii. 273. 

Fulix nov(e seelmidice, ii. 273. 

Fulmar, Cinereous, ii. 241. 

Fnlmarus antarctious, ii. 229. 

atlanticus, ii. 221. 

ccertdeus, ii. 214. 

cookii, ii. 217. 

^lacitdoides, ii. 228. 

lessoni, ii. 219. 

leueopterus, ii. 217. 

ftdva, Strix, i. 192. 

Fulvous Fern-bird, i. 61. 

Plover, ii. 6. 

fidvits, Charadrius, xl, Ivi ; i. 68 ; ii. 6. 

, Megalurus, i. 161. 

, Pluvialis, ii. 6. 

, Sphenceaous, i. 61 ; ii. 339. 

fiisea, xlpterj'x, ii. 322. 

, Diomedca, ii. 205. 

fiiseus, Aplonis, i. 24, 25. 

, Gallirallus, ii. 112, 113. 

, Lestris, ii. 47. 

, Ooj’dromus, liii; ii. 105, 112, 

113, 119, 120. 

galeaia, Carpophaga, i. 250. 

Galgulus pcwijiens, i. 118. 
gallinaceus, Vanellus, ii. 13. 

Gallin®, xv, Ixx ; ii. 325. 

Gallinago, Ixxiii. 

aucklctiidim, Ivii ; ii. 32, 33. 

pmwfata, ii. 40. 

pnsilld, ii. 32, 33. 

Gallinula (dba, ii. 90. 

mmaculuta, ii. 101. 

nt'siotis, ii. 104. 

Gallinule, Black-backed, ii. 79. 
Gallirallus hradiiipterus, ii. 120. 

fumiis,u. 112, 113. 

Gambetta pidverulentus, ii. 38. 


Gannet, i. 144 ; ii. 338. 

, Australian, ii. 177. 

garnotti, Priooella, ii. 228. 

Garrodia, Ixxviii, Ixxx. 

nerds, ii. 247. 

Gastornis, li. 

Gavia andersonii, ii. 61. 

gmddii, ii. 61. 

jamesonii, ii. 61. 

pomare, ii. 58. 

pomarre, ii. 61. 

gavia, .distrelata, ii. 236. 

, Procellaria, ii. 236. 

, Pufflnus, ii. 236, 239. 

Gavice, xvi, Ixxiii. 

Gelastes andersonii, ii. 61. 

eorallinus, ii. 61. 

gouldi, ii. 61. 

Geopsittaciis, i. 180. 
geranoides, Dinornia, xxiii, xxvii. 
Gerygone, liv, Ixiii ; i. 40, 52, 115, 
249. 

alhofronfata, Ivii ; i. 49, 136. 

assimilis, i. 44, 47. 

Jtaiiiveniris, xiii, lix; i. 44, 47, 

49, 60, 129, 135, 136, 240, 241, 
248. 

igata, xiii ; i. 44, 47. 

sylvestris, i. 50, 241 ; ii. 335. 

“ Ghost-bird,” ii. 233. 

Giant Petrel, ii. 225, 226. 
gihberifrons. Anas, xiii, Ivi ; ii. 259, 
261. 

, Querquednla, ii. 261. 

, Nettion, ii. 261. 

gibhifroHS, Anas, ii. 261. 
gigantea, Ossifraga, xiii ; ii. 225. 

, Procellaria, ii. 225. 

giganteus, Dinornis, xix, xxii, xxiv, 
xxvii. 

gigas, Dacolo, i. 120. 
gilviventr'is, Acanthisitta, i. 111. 

, Xenicus, lix ; i. Ill, 243, 250. 

glacialis, Phalaropus, ii. 30. 

, Procellaria, ii. 228. 

, Thalassocca, ii. 228. 

, Triiiga, ii. 30. 

glacialoides, Procellaria, ii. 220, 228. 

, Thalasscecii, ii. 228. 

glareola, Charadrius, ii. 1. 

, Trynga, ii. 38. 

Glaucopid®, i. 8. 

Glaucopididas, xvi. 

Glaucopis, xvi, xl, Ixi; i. 4, 8, 30, 
237. 

cincrea, xiii, liii, lix ; i. 2, 5. 

olivascens, i. 1, 2. 

wilsoni, xiii, liii, lix ; i. 1, 5, 10, 

237 ; ii. 316. 

glmceopis, Charadrius, ii. 6. 
glaums, Graculus, ii. 162. 

, Phalacrocorax, ii. 163. 

Godwit, ii. 15. 

, Bar-tailed, xl. 

, Southern, ii. 40. 

Golden Plover, Eastern, xl, Ivi ; ii. 6. 

Goldfinch, xlvii. 

goliath, Carpophaga, i. 250. 

Goose, Capo, xlviii. 

, Egyptian, xlviii. 

, Yariegated, ii. 264. 

Goshawk, ii. 183. 
gouldi, iEstrelata, ii. 245. 


gouldi, Bruohigavia, ii. 61. 

, Circus, xiii, lix ; i. 206, 247, 248; 

ii. 65, 152, 253, 277, 338. 

, , = 0. ajoproocimans, i. 247. 

, , outline of, lx. 

, Gavia, ii. 61. 

, Gelastes, ii. 61. 

, Hcteralooha, i. 7. 

, Majaqueus, ii. 242, 245. 

, Neomorpha, i. 7, 8. 

, Procellaria, ii. 221, 245, 246. 

, Tribonyx, xiv. 

Gould’s Dove Petrel, ii. 213. 

Harrier, i. 206. 

Govinda Kite, i. 211. 

Gracalus brevirosiris, ii. 168. 

carboides, ii. 146. 

chalconolus, ii. 162. 

melanoleucus, ii. 173. 

puiwtutus, ii. 1 64. 

rarius, ii. 149. 

gracilis, xlnas, ii. 261, 262. 

, Dinornis, xxiv, xxvii. 

Graculus africanus, ii. 166. 

earbo, ii. 145. 

canmeulatus, ii. 153. 

glaueus, ii. 162. 

leiicogaster. ii. 149. 

mvee hollandice, ii. 145. 

Grallaj, xvi, Ixxiv; ii. 325. 
grallaria, Fregetta, ii. 250. 

, Procellaria, ii. 249. 

Grass-bird, i. 241. 

Grass-Parrot, i. 171. 

Graucalus, liv, Ixiv ; i. 4, 30. 

auritus, ii. 162. 

carboides, ii. 145. 

clialconotus, ii. 163, 171. 

eoncinnus, i. 66, 67. 

Jlavirostris, ii. 173. 

melanops, liv; i. 66, 67. 

rn.elanotis, i. 66. 

parvirostris, i. 67, 68. 

purpuragvla, ii. 171. 

pimciatus, ii. 164. 

slictoceplialus, ii. 171. 

varius, ii. 149. 

gravis, Dinornis, xxiii, xxvii. 
gragi, Anthus, i. 63. 

Gray’s Shag, ii. 162. 

Great-cre.sted Grebe, ii. 283. 

Great Frigate bird, ii. 182. 

Great-headed Titmouse, i. 42. 

Grebe, Groat Crested, ii. 283. 
Greenfinch, xlvii. 

Green Linnet, i. 105. 

Green-winged Teal, ii. 183. 

Grey-backed Storm-Petrel, ii. 247. 

Grey Duck, xlvii, Ivi ; ii. 251, 259, 272, 
274, 338. 

Grey-faced Petrel, ii. 245. 

Grey-headed Albatros, ii. 201. 

Grey Phalarope, ii. 30. 

Sandpiper, ii. 38. 

Warbler, lix ; i. 14, 44, 46, 129, 

135, 136, 248. 

greyi, Ocydromus, ii. 105, 107, 114, 115. 
118', 331. 

, Stringops, ii. 107. 

greyii, Strigops, i. 176, 177. 
grisea, Procellaria, ii. 232. 

, Tringa, ii. 35. 

griseopygius, Totanus, ii. 38. 


348 


INDEX. 


ffriseus, Phalaropus, ii. 30. 

, Procellaria, ii. 234. 

, Puffinus, ii. 232, 233. 

Grisled Sandpiper, ii. 35. 

“ Ground-Lark,” i. 63, 89. 

Ground- Parrakeet', Ivii. 

, Australian, i. 149. 

“ Ground-Parrot,” i. 176. 

Grouse, Pallas’s Sand-, i. 140. 
gularis ?, tEstrelata, ii. 223. 

, Procellaria, ii. 223. 

Gull, Plack-backed, ii. 57. 

, Black-billed, ii. 68, 60. 

, Brown-billed, ii. 61. 

, Mackerel-, ii. 54. 

, lled-billed, ii. 55, 60. 

, Sea-, ii. 64. 

• , Southern Black-backed, ii. 45. 

Gygis Candida, ii. 338. 

Gymnorbina, i. 4, 30. 

iibicen, i. 209. 

Gyr Falcon, ii. 183. 

haasti. Apteryx, ii. 328, 330, 331. 

, Strix, i. 200. 

, Xenicus, i. 111. 

haastii, Acantbisitta, i. 111. 
habroptUus, Strigops, i. 176, 177, 180. 

, Strigop.sis, i. 176. 

, Stringops, xxxvii, xxxix, lix ; 

i. 167, 172, 176, 246. 

, Stringopsis, i. 176. 

Hajmatopus, xxxiii, Ixxii. 

australasianns, ii. 16. 

fidiginosiis, ii. 18. 

longirosiris, xlii ; ii. 16, 18. 

niger, ii. 18. 

austral asianus, ii. 18. 

oceanicus, ii. 18. 

ostralegus, ii. 17. 

2Jicatns, ii. 16. 

unicolor, xlii ; ii. 18. 

Jicesitata, Procellaria, ii. 241. 

Hakakao, ii. 40. 

Hakoakoa, ii. 230, 232, 234. 

Hakuakua, ii. 230. 

Hakuwai, ii. 182. 

Haladroma berardii, ii. 207, 208. 
Halcyon, Ivi, Ixvii. 

chloris, i. 126. 

cinnamumina, xiii. 

julice, i. 126. 

sacra, i. 126. 

samta, i. 122, 126. 

sancUts, i. 121. 

tristrami, i. 126. 

Vagans, lix ; i. 121, 122, 126 ; ii. 

338. 

Juiliaetus, Pandion, i. 222. 

Halieus brevirostris, ii. 168. 

melanoleucus, ii. 173. 

Halobasna, Ixxix. 

cairulea, ii. 214. 

tgpica, ii. 209. 

Halodroma urhuitrix, ii. 207. 

Harpa, liv, Ixx. 

australis, i. 220. 

fero-v, Ivii; i. 216, 219, 220. 

novce zealandice, lix ; i. 213, 220, 

221, 224. 

Harpagornis assimilis, xxv. 

moorei, xxy ; ii. 183. 

Harpe briinneus, i. 220. 


Harpe novce sealandice, i. 2 1 3. 
harpe, Falco, i. 206, 213, 214. 

Harrier, i. 89; ii. 277,338. 

, Gould’s, i. 206. 

, New-Xealaud, lix. 

, , outline of, lx. 

, Reunion, i. 206. 

hasitata, Procellaria, ii. 241. 

Hawk, Bush-, i. 220. 

, Fish-, i. 222. 

, Quail-, lix ; i. 213. 

, Sparrow-,!. 28, 144, 217, 220. 

hectori, Megalapteryx, xxvii. 

, Ocydromus, ii. 105, 119, 120. 

, Podiceps, ii. 284, 285. 

(var.), Podiceps, ii. 283. 

, Turriagra, xliii, liii, lix ; i. 26, 27. 

Hedge-S|)arrow, ii. 336. 

Hehiwi, i. 105. 

Helopus casjnas, ii. 73. 

Hcmipbaga novce zealandice, i. 229. 

Hen, Swamp-, ii. 79. 

Herodias alba, ii. 124. 

asha, ii.l29. 

atra, ii. 129. 

■ — — comolor, ii. 129. 

Jlavirostris, ii. 124. 

jagaluris, ii. 129. 

- — - maioole, ii. 129. 

novce. hollandice, ii. 134. 

jMnnosa, ii. 129. 

pcmnosiw, ii. 129. 

sacra, ii. 129. 

sgrmatophorus, ii. 124. 

Herodionos, xvi, xxxvii, Ixxvi. 

Heron, Blue, ii. 129. 

, Caledonian Night-, ii. 139. 

, Nankeen Night-, ii. 139. 

, New-Holland Night-, ii. 139. 

, New-Zealand, ii. 129. 

, Sacred, ii. 129. 

, Spotted, ii. 136. 

, White, ii. 124. 

, White-fronted, ii. 134. 

Herse nigricans, i. 74. 

pyrrhonota, i. 74. 

Hesperornis, li, Ixi ; i. 4, 8, 16, 30. 
Heteralocha acutirostris, xlii, lix ; i. 3, 7. 

goulcli, i. 7. 

luteroclites, Certhia, i. 56. 

, Orthonyx, i. 56. 

Heteroscelus brevipes, ii. 38. 

Hiaticula bicincta, ii. 3. 

novce seelandice, ii. 11. 

rnjtcapilla, ii. 5. 

Hieraeidae, liv. 

Hieracidea, i. 218. 

australis, i. 215. 

bruimea, i. 214, 220, 224. 

novce zealandice, i. 213, 219. 

Hieracidcm, i. 218. 

Hihi, i. 14, 101. 

Hihi-matakiore, i. 101. 

Hihi-paka, i. 101. 

Himantopus, xxxiii, Ixxii. 

albicollis, ii. 27. 

albiis, ii. 21. 

Candidas, ii. 29. 

leucocephcdus, ii. 21, 25, 26, 28. 

piieatus, xv. 

melanoptterus, ii. 26, 28, 

melas, ii. 24, 25. 

niger, ii. 24. 


Him&ntopus novce zealandice, xv, xlii ; ii. 
24, 27, 28. 

spicatus, ii. 28. 

Hirundinidse, Ixv. 

Hirundo, Ivi. 

apus, i. 116. 

frontalis, i. 76. 

nigricans, liv ; i, 74. 

pacifica, i. 116. 

pyrrlwnotct, i. 74. 

Hirundolanius, i. 119. 
hochstetteri, Notornis, xxii ; ii. 89. 
Hokioi, ii. 182, 183. 
holmesi, Scolopax, ii. 32. 

Honey-eater, Australian, Iviii ; i. 106. 
Honey-sucker, i. 128. 

Hornbill, i. 16. 

House-Sparrow, xliv ; i. 123, 242. 

Jma, Mohoua, i. 56. 

Huahou, ii. 35. 

Imdsonica, Tringa, ii. 14. 

Huia, lix ; i. 3, 7 : ii. 187. 

Huia’s bill, abnoimal growth of a, i. 17. 
Huru-pounamu, i. 108. 
huttoni, Dinornis, xxvii. 

, rhalacrocorax,ii. 174. 

Hutton’s Rail, ii. 123. 

Shag, ii. 174. 

hybrida, Hydrochelidon, ii. 70. 
Hydrochelidon, Ixxiv. 

cdbistriata, ii. 70. 

albostriata, ii. 70. 

hybrida, ii. 70. 

leucoptera, ii. 77. 

nigra, ii. 77. 

Hydrooorax dilophus, ii. 1 64. 
Hydroprogne caspia, ii. 73. 
Hylochelidon nigricans, i. 74. 
Hymenolsemus, xxxvii, Iv, Ivi, Ixxxii. 

malacorhynchus, ii. 276. 

Hymenolaitnus, xv. 

malacorhynchus, n, 276, 337. 

hyperboreas, Lobipes, ii. 30. 
hypoleuca, Thalassidroma, ii. 248. 
Hypoleucus varius, ii. 149. 
hypoleucus, Carbo, ii. 149. 

, Phalaorooorax, ii. 149. 

hypopolius, Nestor, i. 150, 152, 164. 

, Psittacus, i. 150. 

Hypotosnidia dieffenbaehi, ii. 121. 

philippensis, ii. 95. 

hypotamidia, Rallus, ii, 95. 
Hypotriorchis novce zealandice, i. 213. 

lao, i. 249. 

Ichthyaotus leueogaster, i. 212. 
icteroeephcdiis, Orthonyx, i. 56. 

Icterus rufusater, i. 18. 
leracidea novce zeedandice, i. 213. 
leraglaux cdbifacies, i. 198. 

novce zealandice., i. 192. 

igata, Acanthiza, i. 44. 

, Curruca, i. 44. 

, Gerygone, xiii ; i. 44, 47. 

immaculata, Gallinula, ii. 101. 

, Porzana, ii. 101. 

Immanes, xvi ; ii. 325. 

Impennes, xvi, Ixxxiii. 
imperator, Thalasseus, ii. 73. 
imperiedis, Phalaorooorax, ii. 153, 155. 
incanus, Scolopax, ii. 38. 

, Totanus, xl ; ii. 38. 

incerta, -iEstrelata, ii. 220. 


INDEX 


349 


incerta, CEstrolata, ii. 220. 

, Procellaria, xiii ; ii- 220. 

Indian Minah, slvii. 
ineptus, Didus, xix. _ ... 

ingens, Dinornis, xix, xx, xxi, xxvu, 
XXX, xxxiii. 

, Palapteryx, xxi. 

intermedia, Ardea, ii. 124, 125. 
interpres, Arenaria, ii. 14. 

, Cinclus, ii. 14. 

, Strepsilas, xl ; ii. 14. 

, Tringa, ii. 14. 

Intoneg, ii. 188. 

Iringatau, i. 81. 
islandica, Tringa, ii. 35. 
islandkus, Canutus, ii. 35. 
isurus, Milvus, i. 212, 

Jack-bird, lix, 121. 
jamesoni, Lams, ii. 55. 
jamesonii, Bruchigavia, ii. 61. 

, Gavia, ii. 61. 

, Larus, ii. 61. 

, Xema, ii. 61. 

jardinii, Circus, i. 20 / . 
jvgularis, Ardea, ii. 129. 

, Heredias, ii. 129. 

jidice, Halcyon, i. 126. 

Kaeaea, i. 213. 

Kabobo, ii. 269. 

Kabu, i. 206. 

Kabu-komokomo, i. 206. 

Kahu-korako, i. 206. 

Kahu-maiepa, i. 206. 

Kabu-pango, i. 206. 

Eaiaia, i. 213. 

Kaka, Ivi ; i. 27, 34, 150, 153, 157. 
Kaka-kereru, i. 150. 

Kaka-korako, i. 150.^ 

Kaka-knra, Ivi ; i. 150. 

Kaka Parrot, bx ; i. 24,^150. 
Kaka-pipivTarauroa, i. 150. 
Kaka-reko, i. 150. 

Kakaba, i. 198. 

Kakapo, i. 50, 149, 1/6, 23/ . 

cbick, i. 191. 

Kakarapiti, i. 213. 

Kakariki, i. 137. 

Kaka-wariki, i. 137. 

Kaki, ii. 24. 

Kanohi-mowhiti, i. 81. 

Kaoriki, ii. 136. 

Karakabia, ii. 275. 

Karearea, i. 213. 

Karewarewa, i. 213. 
Karewarewa-tara, i. 220. 

Karoro, ii. 47. 

Karuliirnbi, ii. 149, 162. 

Kata, i. <65. 

Kawan, ii. 145, 15-- 

Kawau-paka, u. 1”®- 
Kawekawea, Ivi ; 

Kea, i. 166, 244, 245 

Parrot, bx ; i. 166. 

Keha, i. 166. 

Kereru, i. 229. . 

Keropia erassirostns, i. oi. 

tanagra, i. 26. 

Kestrel, European, i. 12-. 
Kikimutu, i. 113. 

Kikiriinutu, i. 113- .. „ 

Kingfisher, i. 88, 91, 121 ; n- 338, 

VOL. II. 


Kingfisher Kew-Zealand, lix ; i. 121. 
King Lory, i. 171. 

Penguin, ii. 306. 

Kite, Australian, i. 212. 

, Govinda, i. 211. 

Kiwi, li ; i. 50, 237 ; ii. 308, 322, 325. 

, Brown, ii. 328. 

, Large Grey, ii. 330. 

, Little Grey, ii. 327. 

, Kortb-lsland, ii. 308. 

, Bed, ii. 331. 

-, South-Island, ii. 322, 323. 


Lark, New-Zealand, i. 63. 

, Sky-, xliii, xlvii. 

Larus, xxxiii, Ixxiii. 

antipodum, ii. 47. 

antipodus, ii. 47 . 

azarce, ii. 47. 

hulleri, ii. 54, 58, 59, 76. __ 

outer primaries of, ii. 62. 


Kiwi-karuai, ii. 330 
Kiwi-kura, ii. 331. 

Kiwi-parure, ii. 308. 

Kiwi-pukupuku, ii. 327. 

Knot, ii. 35. 

Kookoea, i. 127 ; ii. 98. 

Kobaperoa, i. 127 . 

Koheperoa, i. 4.5, 127, 129. 

Kohimako, i. 85. 

Kohorimako, i. 85. 

Kohutapu, ii. 11. 

Koiro, ii. 47. 

Koitareke, ii. 103. 

Kokako, i. 10 ; ii. 5, 316. 

Koko, i. 94. 

Kokomako, i. 85. 

Kokoreke, i. 225. 

Kokorimako, i. 85. 

Kokorohimako, i. 85. 

Komako, i. 85. 

Komiromiro, i. 39. 

Kopara, i. 85. 

Koreke, i. 225. 

Korimako, i. 14, 54, 55, 82, 85, 87, 88, 
90, 104, 135, 242. 

Koriroriro, i. 44. 

Koroatito, i. 59. 

Korohea, i. 26, 28. 

Koropio, i. 26. 

Korora, ii. 300. 

Kotare, i. 121, 124. 

Kotaretare, i. 121. 

Kotata, i. 59. 

Kotihe, i. 101. 

Kotibewera, i. 101. 

Kotuku, i. 221 ; ii. 124, 187. 
Koluku-ngutupapa, ii. 144. 

Koukou, i. 34, 192. 

Koukouwai, i. 34. 

Kuaka, ii. 40. 
kidilii, Pufflnus, ii. 241. 

Kuia, ii. 241, 242. 

Kuku, i. 229. 

Kukupa, i. 229. 

Kuruwbengi, ii. 269. 

Kuruwbengu, ii. 269. 

L’Abatros du Cap de Bonne Esperance, 
ii. 189. 

La Cravate Erisee, i. 94. ^ 

lafresnayanus, Eulabeornis, ii. 12 — 
Lamprococcyx lacidus, i. 132. 

“ Land-Rail,” ii. 95, 98. 

Laiiius crasnirostris, i. 31. 
lapponica, Limosa, xl. _ a r\ 

, var. novcB zealandicB, Limosa, li. 40. 

Large Brown River-Shag, ii. 146. 

Grey Kiwi, ii. 330. 

Laridse, xvi, Ixxiii. 

Larinse, ii. 59. 

Lark, Ground-, i. 63, 89. 


3 

crepidatus, ii. 66. ^ _ 

dominkanus, xbi ; i. 210 ; ii. 47, 
64, 69. 

jamesoni, ii. 55, 61. 
littoreus, ii. 47. 

■ melanorhyncha, ii. 59. 

■ melanorJiynchus, ii. 58. 

- novee holiandue, ii. 55, 59, 61. 

-, outer primaries of,ii. 62. 


pacifiens, ii. 47. 
pomare, ii. 69. 
scopwlinus, ii. 54, 55, 60, 61, 76. 

outer primaries of, ii. 62. 

m.ajor, ii. 61. 


vociferus, ii. 47 . 

lateralis, Sylvia, i. / 7. . 

, Zosterops, i. 77;, u. 64. 

Latbamus sparmanii, i'__137. 
latirostris, Procellaria, ii. 212. 
latirostrum, Platalea, ii. 144. 

Laughing- Jackass, i. 198. 

Laugbing-Owl, lix; i. 190, 198, 201. 

Lo Coucou brun varie de noir, i- 127. _ 

Le Manchot do la Kouvelle Guinee, ii. 
306. 

Le Manchot Papou, ii. 304. 

Leptotarsis eytoni, ii. 268. 

Lesser Frigate Pelican, ii. 185. 
lessoni, Fulmarus, u. 219. 

, (Estrelata, ii. 219,220. 

Procellaria, ii. 219. 

, Rhantistes, ii. 219. 

lessonii, AUstrclata, ii. 219. 

Procellaria, ii. 219. 

Lestris, ii. 190, 197, 220. 

antarclimis, ii. 47, 63. 

catarractes, ii. 63. 

fiiscus, ii. 47. 

longieaudata, ii. 66. 

parasitiem, ii. ^ 

richardsonii, ii. 66. 

scopulinits, li. 55. 

Leucocarbo carunculatus,^ ii. 1 o5. 

pnrpurascens, ii. 15o. 

leucocepliala, Astrelata, ii. 219. 

, Procellaria, ii. 219. 

leiicocerdialns, Himantopus, ii. 21, 25. 
26, 28. 

, Pelecanus, ii. 182. 

, Taebypetes, ii. 182. 

picatiis, Himantopus, xv. 

Leucoceroa melanura, i. 72. 
leMogaster, Carbo, ii. 149. 

, Graculus, b. 149. 

, Icbtbyactus, i. 212. 

, Pbalacrocorax, u. 149. 

leucophrys, Anas, ii. 251. 
lencops, Ardea, ii. 134._ 
leucoptera, Cookilaria, n. 217. 

, Hydrocbelidon, ii. / / • 

Procellaria, ii. 217. 

, Sterna, ii._ 77^ 

, Viralva, ii. 77. _ 

leucopferns, Fulmarus, b. 217. 
Leuoosareia picata, i. 250. 

2 z 


350 


INDEX. 


lewini, AnthochGera, i. 106, 107. 
Lewinia brachypm, ii. 100. 
leivinii, llalluB, ii. 100. 

LimicolsB, xv, xvi, xxxvii, xl, Ixx. 
Limnocinclus aeumhuitiis, ii. 37. 

Limosa, xxxiii, Ixxiii. 

aitstralasiana, ii. 40. 

haueri, xv ; ii. 40, 46. 

brevipes, ii. 40. 

foxii, ii. 40. 

lapponica, xl. 

, var. novte zealandice, ii. 40. 

novce zealarulice, xv, xl, xlii ; ii. 

34, 40. 

rufa, ii. 40. 

uropuyialii, ii. 40. 

Linnet, xlvii ; i. 242. 

, Green, i. 105. 

Little Bittern, Ivi ; ii. 136. 

BBie Penguin, ii. 302. 

Grey Kiwi, ii. 327. 

Noddy, ii. 78. 

Penguin, ii. 300. 

Wliite Tern, ii. 75. 

littoralis, Strepsilas, ii. 14. 
littorm, Alauda, i. 63. 
littorens, Larus, ii. 47. 
livia, Columba, xvi. 
lohata, Tringa, ii. 13. 
lohatus, Charadrius, ii. 13. 

, Lobivanellua, ii. 13, 39. 

■ , Pbalaropus, ii. 30. 

, Vanellus, ii. 13. 

Lobipes hyperhorem, ii. 30. 

Lobivanellus, Ixxi. 

lobatus, ii. 13, 39. 

persnnatus, ii. 39. 

Long-legged Warbler, i. 108. 

Long- tailed Cuckoo, xli, Iv, lix; i. 27, 
127, 128,248; ii. 338. 
lonyicaudata, Lestris, ii. 66. 
lonyix’tnnis. Sterna, ii. 68. 
longipes, Aeanthisitta, i. 108. 

, Miro, i. 33. 

, MotaciUa, i. 108. 

, Muscicapa, i. 33. 

, M}uoscopus, i. 33. 

, Petroiea, i. 33, 38. 

, Pluvialis, ii. 6. 

, Sylvia, i. 108. 

, Xcnicus, lix ; i. 108, 1 10, 243. 

longirostris, Aptenodytes, xiv ; ii. 306. 
, Apterodita, ii. 306. 

■ , Hajmatopus, xlii; ii. 16, 18. 

, Numenius, ii. 46. 

, Podiecps, ii. 283. 

Lophaithyia eristaUi, ii. 283. 

Lophortj’x callfornicus, i. 249. 

Loxia tiirdus, i. 31. 
liicidus, Chalcites, i. 132. 

, Chrysococcyx, liv, Iv, lix, Iviii ; 

i. 45, 129, 132, 136 ; ii. 338. 

, Cuculus, i. 132. 

, Lamprococcyx, i. 132. 

Lyre-bird, i. 6. 

Macaroni Penguin, ii. 297. 

Mackerel- Gull, ii. 54. 
macquariensis, Eallus, Ivii ; ii. 95. 
macrocepliala, Miro, i. 40, 42. 

, Muscicapa, i. 42. 

, Myiomoira, xlii, lix ; i. 37, 40, 

42, 135, 239 ; ii. 339. 


macrocepliala, Petroiea, i. 42, 43. 

, Bbipidura, i. 42. 

macrocephalus, Pacliycephalus, i. 42. 

, Parus, i. 42. 

macroptera, Procellaria, ii. 221, 245. 

, Ptorodroma, ii. 245. 

maeularia, Tanagra, i. 31. 
maculata, Ardea, ii. 136. 

, Ardetta, ii. 136. 

maculicaudus, Certbiparus, i. 51. 
magellaniciis, Phalaorocorax, Ivii ; ii. 

167. _ 

Magpie, xlvii. 

, Australian, i. 209. 

maillardi, Circus, i. 206, 248. 
Majaqueus, Ixxx. 

carneipes, ii. 233. 

gouldi, ii. 242, 245. 

parhinsoni, ii. 239, 242, 246. 

major, Numenius, ii. 45. 

, Pufiinus, ii. 232. 

Mako, i. 85. 

Makomako, i. 85. 

Makora, ii. 65. 

Malacorbynchus, Iv. 

forsterorum, ii. 276. 

malttcorliynclms. Anas, ii. 276. 

, Hymcnolasmus, ii. 276. 

, Hymenolidmus, ii. 276, 337. 

malherbi, Cyanorampbus, i. 142. 

, Platycercus, Ivii; i. 142, 143, 

145. 

Man-of-War Bird, ii. 182. 
mantelli, Apteryx, xlii ; ii. 308, 322, 
323 330 

, Notornis, ii. 85, 86, 88, 90, 193. 

MantelPs Notornis, ii. 85. 

Manutabae, i. 206. 

Mapo, ii. 146. 
marginalis, Aplouis, i. 25. 
marginata, Aplonis, i. 25. 
marginatus, Aplonis, i. 25. 
marina, Polagodroma, ii. 248. 

, Procellaria, ii. 248. 

■, Tbalassidroma, ii. 248. 

Marsb-Hen, i. 209. 

Marsb-llail, ii. 103. 

Masked Plover, ii. 39. 

■, Australian, ii. 13. 

Mata, i. 59. 

Matapo, ii. 146. 

Matapouri, ii. 273. 

Matata, i. 59. 
matoolc, Ardea, ii. 129. 

, Herodias, ii. 129. 

Matuhituhi, i. 108. 

Matuku-moana, ii. 134. 

Matuku-nuia, ii. 129. 

Matuku-tai, ii. 129. 

Matukutukn, ii. 129. 

Maubt^he taelietee, ii. 35. 

Maunu, ii. 251. 
mavorwita, Aplonis, i. 25. 
maxima, Apteryx, ii. 330, 331. 
maximus, Dinornis, xxv, xxvii. 
Megalapteryx liectori, xxvii. 

Mcgalestris antarctkus, ii. 63. 
Mogalurus/aZj^Ms, i. 61. 

pmwtatus, i. 59. 

rufescens, i. 62. 

Megapodius pritcliardi, ii. 333. 
megarliynclios. Sterna, ii. 73. 
Megistanes, xvi ; ii. 325. 


Meionornis, xxvi. 

melanocephala, Antbornis, Ivii ; i. 38, 
92. 

melanoyaster, Puffinus, ii. 238. 

, Tbalassidroma, ii. 249. 

melanogastra, Fregetta, ii. 249. 

, Procellaria, ii. 249. 

, Tbalassidroma, ii. 220. 

melanoleucus, Graculus, ii. 173. 

• ', Halieus, ii. 173. 

, Miorocarbo, ii. 173. 

, Pbalacroeorax, ii. 168, 173. 

melanonotus, Porpbyrio, xlii, Ivi ; ii. 89, 
90, 92, 338. 

melanoplirijs, Diomodea, ii. 197, 198, 
202, 204, 206, 220, 288. 
melanops, Campepbaga, i. 66. 

, Ceblopyris, i. 66. 

, Corvus, i. 06. 

, Graucalus, liv; i. 66, 67. 

melanopterus, Himantopus, ii. 26, 28. 
melanorliqiiclia, Brucbigavia, ii. 58, 
59. 

, Larus, ii. 59. 

, Platalea, ii. 144. 

melanorhynchos, Platalea, ii. 144. 
melanorhynclms, Bmebigavia, ii. 58. 

, Larus, ii. 58. 

melanotis, Graucalus, i. 66. 

■ , Sterna, ii. 73. 

, Sylocbelidon, ii. 73. 

■ , Thalaasitos, ii. 73. 

melanotus, Botaurus, ii. 141. 

, Porpbyrio, i. 209 ; ii. 79. 

melanura, Antbornis, xlii, xliii, lix ; 

i. 82, 85, 92, 93, 135, 242. 

, Certbia, i. 85. 

, Leucocerca, i. 72. 

, Bbipidura, i. 72. 

melas, Himantopus, ii. 24, 25. 
Melipbaga, xl. 

cincta, i. 101. 

wvex. zealandice,, i. 94. 

Meli])bagid8e, liv, Ixv ; i. 242. 
Melopsittacus, i. 180. 

undulatns, xlii. 

Menura superha, i. 6. 

Merganser, AucMand-Island, ii. 279. 

, Britisb Bod-breastod, ii. 279. 

Mergus, xxxix, Ixxxi. 

australis, Ivii ; ii. 279. 

serrator, ii. 279. 

meridionalis, Nestor, xlii, Ivi, lix ; i. 
34, 105, 150, 151, 164, 167, 
175, 183, 217, 246 ; ii. 335. 

, Psittacus, i. 150. 

Merops carunculatus, i. 106. 

cincinnatus, i. 94. 

novoi seelandim, i. 94. 

Miorocarbo brevirostris, ii. 168. 

melanoleucus, ii. 173. 

Micropus australis, i. 116. 

vittata, i. 116. 

Milvus isurus, i. 212. 

Minab, Indian, xlvii. 
minor, Aptenodyta, ii. 300. 

, Aptenodytes, ii. 300. 

, Catarrbactes, ii. 300. 

, Chrj'socoma, il. 300. 

, Eudyptiln, ii. 300. 

, Eudyptvda, ii. 300, 302, 303. 

, Eregata, ii. 185. 

— — , Pelecanus, ii. 185. 


INDEX, 


351 


minor, Ralliis, ii. 101. 

Spheniscus, ii. 300. 

, StrepsUas, ii. 14. 

, Tachypetes, ii. 185. 

mimita, Ardea, ii. 137. 

, Muscicapa, i. 42. 

, Sterna, ii. 75. 

minutiis, Rallus, ii. 101. 

, Turdus, i. 42. 

Miro, It, Ixii. 

albifrons, xliii, liii, lix ; i. 34, 36, 

37,131. 

australis, Uii, lix ; i. 33, 36, 37, 

87, 88, 209, 239. 

dieffenhachii, i. 40, 42, 43. 

forsteroruin, i. 42. 

lo^igipes, i. 33. 

macrocephala, i. 40, 42. 

toitoi, i. 39, 42, 43. 

traversi, Ivii ; i. 38 ; ii. 339. 

Miromiro, i. 39, 40. 
mitratus, Podiceps, ii. 283. 

Moa, H, Ivi ; ii. 325, 335. 
Mocking-Creeper, i. 85. 
modesta, Ardea, ii. 124. 
modestus, Cabalus, Ivii ; ii. 122, 123. 

, RaUus, ii. 123. 

Moeriki, ii. 121. 

Moko, ii. 85. 

Moho-patatai, ii. 95. 

Moho-perern, ii. 95. 

Mohotatai, ii. 95. 

Mokoua, i. 58. 

dlbicilla, i. 53. 

Ima, i. 56. 

ovhrocephala, i. 56. 

mollis, iEstrelata, ii. 222. 

, Apteryx, ii. 327. 

, Cookilaria, ii. 222. 

, (Estrelata, ii. 222. 

, Prooellaria, xiii ; ii. 222, 223. 

, Rhantistes, ii. 222. 

Molly liawk, ii. 202. 
montawcs, Nestor, i. 153. 
moorei, Harpagornis, xxv ; ii. 183. 
Moorhen, Australian, xlii. 

Morepork, i, 192, 246 ; ii. 98. 

Morinella collaris, ii. 14. 
moriiiella, Tringa, ii. 14. 
morineUus, Cinclus, ii. 14. 
morotemis. Scops, i. 247. 
mortieri, Tribonyx, xiv ; ii. 84, 335. 
Motacilla alba, i. 248. 

citrina, i. 113. 

citrinella,!. 113. 

loiigipes, i. 108. 

Motaoillidss, Ixiv. 
motacilloi-des, Rhipidura, xiii. 

Mother Carey’s Chicken, ii. 187. 
Mottled Petrel, ii. 223. 

Mountain Duck, Ivi. 

Parrot, i. 166. 

, Blue, i. 171. 

Kca, i. 174. 

Moutuutu, i. 113. 
miilleri, Anas, ii. 251. 
miirarius, Cypselus, i. 117. 

Muscicapa albifrons, i. 36. 

albopeetus, i. 39. 

chloris, i. 56. 

deserii, i. 72. 

jlabellifr.ra, i. 69. 

fuliginosa, i. 72. 


Muscicapa longipes, i. 33. 

mcwrocepliala, i. 42. 

minata, i. 42. 

ochroeepliala, i. 56. 

toitoi, i. 39. 

ventilttbrum, i. 69. 

Muscicapida), xl, Ixiv ; i. 37. 
Mutton-bird, ii. 232, 233. 

Myiomoira, Iv, Ixiii. 

dieffenhachii, i. 42. 

macrocephala, xiii, lix ; i. 37, 40, 

42, 135, 239 ; ii. 339. 

toitoi, xiii, lix ; i. 27, 37, 39 ; ii. 

339. 

Myioscopus longipes, i. 33. 

Myiothera novai zecdandice, i. 33. 

nesvia, Tringa, ii. 35. 
nceviits, Pelecauus, ii. 164. 

, Phalacrocerax, ii. 164. 

Nako, i. 59. 

Nankeen Night-Heron, ii. 139. 

Nectris amaurosoma, ii. 232. 

brevicauda, ii. 230. 

brevicemdus, ii. 230. 

carneipies, ii. 234. 

obsc'ura, ii. 238. 

7ieglecta., iEstrelata, ii. 224. 

-, (Estrelata, ii. 224. 

, Prooellaria, ii. 224. 

“ NeUy,” ii. 220. 

Neomorpha acutirostris, i. 7, 8. 

erassirosiris, i. 7, 8. 

gouldi, i. 7, 8. 

nereis, Garrodia, ii. 247. 

, ProccUaria, ii. 247. 

, Sterna, ii. 75. 

, Stcrnula, ii. 75. 

, Thalassidroma, ii. 220, 247. 

nesiotis, Gallinula, ii. 104. 

Nesonetta, xx.xvii, xxxix, Ixxxi. 

awlclandica, xiii, xiv, xxxvii, Ivii ; 

ii.263. 

Nest of Xenicus gilviventris,!. 250. 
Nestling of Banded Dottrel, ii. 15. 
Nestlings of Nestor notabilis, i. 165. 
Nestor, xxxiii, xl, Ixviii. 

— — australis, i. 150. 

esslinyii, i. 152. 

hypopolhis, i. 150, 152, 164. 

meridionalis, xiii, Ivi, lix ; i. 34, 

105, 150, 151, 164, 167, 175, 
183, 217, 246 ; ii. 335. 

montanus, i. 153. 

norfolcensis, i. 164. 

notabilis, lix ; i. 153, 166, 167, 

170, 174. 

, nestlings of, i. 165. 

novee zealandke, i. 150. 

occidcntalis, i. 150, 153, 157 ; ii. 

335. 

-podiceps, ii. 281. 

prodiMtiis, Ivii ; i. 24, 151, 104. 

superlms, i. 151. 

nestor, Psittacus, i. 150. 

Nestorida3, xl, Ixviii ; i; 157, 244. 
Nettion gibberifrons, ii. 261. 
New-Caledonia Rail, ii. 122. 
New-Holland Darter, ii. 175. 

Night-Heron, ii. 139. 

Shag, ii. 145. 

Swallow, i. 116. 


New-Zealand Creeper, lix ; i. 51, 94. 

Crow, xiv. 

Dabchick, ii. 280. 

Dottrel, ii. 1. 

Duck, ii. 273. 

Eagle, ii. 183. 

Ealeon, i. 213. 

Harrier, lix. 

, outline of, lx. 

Heron, ii. 129, 

Kingfisher, lix ; i. 121. 

Lark, i. 63. 

Ocydromus, ii. 108. 

Owl, i. 13, 34, 192. 

, young of, i. 197. 

Parrakeet, i. 244. 

■ Pigeon, lix ; i. 229. 

Pipit, lix ; i. 63, 65. 

Plover, ii. 11. 

■ Quail, hx ; i. 225, 249. 

Scaup, ii. 273. 

Sheldrake, ii. 264, 266. 

Shore-Plover, ii. 11. 

- — — Shoveller, ii. 269. 

Thrush, i. 27. 

Titmouse, i. 51. 

Woodhen,lvii. 

Wood-Pigeon, Iviii. 

Ngirungiru, i. 39. 

Ngoiro, ii. 47. 

Ngutupare, ii. 9. 

Nicobar Pigeon, i. 250. 
nicobariea, Caloenas, i. 250. 
niger, Htematopus, ii. 18. 

, Himantopus, ii. 24. 

australasianus, Hacmatopus, ii. 

18. 

oceanicas, Heematopus, ii. 18. 

Night-Heron, Caledonian, ii, 139. 

, Nankeen, ii. 139. 

, New-Holland, ii. 139. 

Nightingale, ii. 336. 
nigra, Hydrochelidon, ii. 77. 
nigricans, Cocropus, i. 74. 

, Horse, i. 74. 

, Hirundo, liv ; i. 74. 

, Hylochclidon, i. 74. 

, Ocydromus, ii. 112, 113. 

, PetrocheMon, i. 74. 

nigriventris, Eudyptes, ii. 290. 
nigrivestis, Eudyj)tes, ii. 290. 
nigrovirulis, Aplonis, i. 25. 
nisus, Aecipiter, i. 128. 
nitens, Cuculus, i. 132. 

Noctua venat/ica, i. 192. 

zelandica, i. 192. 

noctua, Athene, i. 34. 

Noddy, ii. 220. 

, Little, ii. 78. 

norfolcensis, Nesror, i. 164. 

North-Island Kiwi, ii. 308. 

Robin, lix ; i. 33. 

Thrush, xliii, lix ; i. 26. 

Tomtit, lix ; i. 39 ; ii. 339. 

Weka, ii. 116. 

— Woodhen, ii. 105. 114. 

notabilis, Nestor, lix; i. 153, 166, 167, 
170, 174. 

, , nestlings of, i. 165. 

Notornis, xiv, xxxvii, xxxix, Ixxv; i. 
50. 

alba, Ivii ; i. 24 ; il. 90. 

hochstetteri, xxiii ; ii. 89. 

2z2 


352 


INDEX. 


Notomis mantelU, xxii ; ii. 85, 86, 88, 
90, 93. 

, Mantell’s, ii. 85. 

novce guinece, Cyanoramphns, i. 137 . 

, Platycercus, i. 137. 

holhndice, Ardca, ii. 129, 134, 

139. 

, Demiegrctta, ii. 134. 

, Graculus, ii. 145. 

, Herodias, ii. 134. 

, Larus, ii. 55, 59, 61. 

, , outer primaries of, ii. 

62. 

, Phalacrocorax, xlii ; ii. 145, 

160. 

, Plotns, xxxix; ii. 175. 

, llecurvirostra, ii. 20. 

, Vanellus, ii. 13. 

seelandim, Alauda, i. 63. 

, Anas, ii. 273. 

, Athene, i. 192. 

, Carpophaga, i. 229. 

— , CertMpariis, i. 51. 

, Charadrius, ii. 11. 

, Columba, i. 229. 

, Falco, i. 213. 

, Fulix, ii. 273. 

, Hiaticula, ii. 11. 

, Merops, i. 94. 

, Pams, i. 51. 

, Spiloglaux, i. 192. 

, Strix, i. 192. 

, Thinornis, ii. 11. 

zealandice, Anas, ii. 273. 

, Anthus, xbi, lix ; i. 63 ; 

ii. 338. 

, Ardeola, ii. 136. 

, Athene, i. 192. 

., Avocotta, ii. 20. 

, Carpophaga, xlii, Iviii, lix ; 

i. 34, 229. 

, Certhiparus, lix; i. 51, 

52. 

, Charadrius, ii. 11. 

, Corydalla, i. 63. 

, Coturnix, lix; i. 225. 

, Bromiceius, ii. 322. 

, Falco, i. 214, 216, 218. 

, Fulica, ii. 140. 

, Fulignla, Ivi ; ii. 273. 

, Harpa, lix;. i. 213, 220, 221, 

224. 

, Harpe, i. 213, 

, Homiphaga, i. 229. 

, Hieracidea, i. 213, 219. 

, Himantopus, xv, xlii ; ii. 24, 

27, 28. 

, Hypotriorchis, i. 213. 

, leracidea, i. 213. 

, leraglaux, i. 192. 

, Limosa, xv, xl, xlii ; ii. 34, 

40. 

, var. Icqjponica, Limosa, ii. 40. 

, Meliphaga, i. 94. 

, Myiothera, i. 33. 

, Festor, i. 150. 

, Parus, i. 51. 

, Platycercus, xlii, xliii, lix ; 

i. 32, 137, 138, 145, 146, 147, 
149, 244 ; ii. 338. 

, Prosthemadera, xlii, lix; i. 

94, 242, 338. 

, Scops, i. 205, 246, 247. 


novce zealandice, Spiloglaux, xlii, lix ; i. 
192, 205, 246. 

, Thinornis, xxxvii. 

zeelandias, Coriphilus, i. 137 . 

, Euphema, i. 137. 

, Pezoporus, i. 137. 

, Psittaeus, i. 137. 

zelandice, Certhiparus, i. 51. 

, Cyanoramphus, i. 137. 

, Platycercus, i. 142. 

, Thinornis, ii. 11. 

nugax, Procollaria, ii. 239. 

Numenius, Ixxiii. 

australis, ii. 45. 

cyanopus, xl. 

longirostris, ii. 46. 

major, ii. 45. 

rufescens, ii. 45. 

tahitiensis, ii. 45. 

nycihemerns, Phalacrocorax, ii. 167. 
Nyctiardca caledonica, ii. 139. 
Nycticorax, Ixxvi. 

caledonious, ii. 139. 

Nyroca, Ixxxii. 

australis, Ivi; ii. 275. 

ohscura, Noctris, ii. 238. 

, Proeellaria, ii. 238. 

ohscurus, Aplonis, i. 23, 24, 25. 

— , Charadrius, xiv, xv ; ii. 1. 

, Cymotomus, ii. 238. 

, Pluviorhynchus, ii. 1. 

, Puffinus, ii. 238, 239. 

oceidentalis, Nestor, i. 150, 153, 157 ; ii. 
335. 

oceaniea, Oceanites, ii. 250. 

, Proeellaria, ii. 250. 

, Thalassidroma, ii. 250. 

oceanicus, Oceanites, ii. 250. 

, Totanus, ii. 38. 

Oceanites, Ixxviii, Ixxx. 

oceaniea, ii. 250. 

oceanicus, ii. 250. 

wilsoni, ii. 250. 

Ooeanitidae, Ixxviii. 

ochroeepliala, Clitonyx, liii, lix ; i. 20, 
56, 241. 

, Mohoua, i. 56. 

, Muscicapa, i. 56. 

, Orthonyx, i. 54, 56, 58. 

oclirocephalus, Certhiparus, i. 56. 
oclirotarsus, Turdus, i. 36. _ 

Ochthodromus bicinctus, ii. 3. 
Ooydromus, xxii, xxxvi, xxxix, Iv, Ixxiv ; 
i. 89 ; ii. 84, 90, W9, 122, 336. 

australis, xlii, liii ; i. 249 ; ii. 105, 

116, 119, 120, 331,337. 

hrachypterus, liii; ii. 105, 107, 

119, 120, 335. 

dieffenbewhii, ii. 121. 

xlii, liii ; ii. 105, 107, 115, 

119, 120. 

finschi, ii. 105, 112, 113, 120. 

fusciis, liii; ii.l05, 112, 113,119, 

• 120. 

gret/i, ii, 105, 107, 114, 115, 118, 

331. 

hectori, ii. 105, 119, 120. 

niqricans, ii. 112, 113. 

sylvestris, Ivii; i. 24, 122. 

troglodytes, ii. 116, 119,337. 

, New Zealand, ii. 108. 

ffidicnemus, i. 180. 


ffistrelata, Ixxix ; ii. 240. 

affinis, ii. 223. 

coohii, ii. 217, 218, 239, 246. 

f uliginosa, ii. 221. 

gidaris'?, ii. 223. 

incerta, ii. 220. 

lessoni, ii. 219, 220. 

mollis, ii. 222. 

negleeta, ii. 224. 

parvirostris, ii. 224. 

Oii, ii. 245. 
olivaeea, Certhia, i. 85. 
olivascens, CaUajas, i. 1. 

, Glaucopis, i. 1. 

opistliomelas, PuiBnus, ii. 236. 
Orange-fronted Parrakeet, lix ; i. 146. 
Orange-wattled Crow, lix ; i. 5, 6. 
orientalis, Eurystomus, i. 120. 

Oriole, i. 128. 

Orthonyx, liv. 

albicilla, i. 53, 54. 

heleroclitus, i. 56. 

icterocephalus, i. 56. 

ochroeepliala, i. 54, 56, 58. 

spinicauda, i. 58. 

Ortygometra, xxxix, Ixxiv. 

affinis, Ivi ; ii. 103, 255. 

crex, xiii. 

Jlumiiua, xiii. 

pedustris, Ivi ; ii. 103. 

pygmixa, ii. 103. 

tedmensis, Iviii ; ii. 101, 255. 

Ortyx ealifornicus, i. 226. 

Ossitraga, Ixxix ; ii. 229. 

gigantea, xlii ; ii. 225. 

ossifraga, Proeellaria, ii. 225. 
ostralegus, Hacmatopus, ii. 17. 

Ostrich, li. 

Otagon tanaejra, i. 26. 

turdus, i. 31. 

otidiformis, Aptomis, xxiii. 

, Dinomis, xix. 

Otis tarda, xxv. 

oweni, Apteryx, xlii, liii ; i. 8 ; ii. 324, 
326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331. 

, Binornis, xxvi, xxvii. 

Owl, European, i. 34. 

, Laughing-, lix ; i. 190, 198, 201. 

, New-Zcaland, i. 13, 34, 192. 

, , young of, i. 197. 

Parrot, lix; i. 172, 176, 190. 

Owl-hilled Parrot, i. 180. 

Oxystomus carunculatus, i. 18. 

Oyster- catcher, ii. 2, 267. 

, Black, ii. 17, 18, 29. 

, European, ii. 17. 

, Pied, ii. 16, 18, 19, 29. 

Pachycephalus macrocephalus, i. 42. 
Pachyptila banksi, ii. 211. 

ccenilea, ii. 214. 

forsteri, ii. 212. 

vittata, ii. 212. 

pachyrhyncha, Eudy'ptes, ii. 287. 
pachyrliynehus, Chrysocoma, ii. 287. 

, Eudyptes, ii. 287, 289, 290, 291, 

296, 299, 303, 335. 

Pacific Parrot, i. 137, 142. 

Boiler, i. 118. 

pacijiea, Coracias, i. 118. 

, Hirundo, i. 116. 

, Scolopax, ii. 38. 

pacijiciis, Aplonis, i. 25. 


INDEX. 


353 


pacificiis, Cypselus, xlii ; i. 116, 117. 

, Eurystomus, xlii ; i. 68, 118, 

120. 

, (lalgulus, i. 118. 

, Larus, ii. 47. 

, Platycerciis, i. 137, 145. 

, Psittacus, i. 137, 142. 

Pakahaa, ii. 236. 

Pakura, ii. 70- 

Palaeeudyptes antarctieus, xxvi. 
Palapterygidse, xxvi. 

Palapteryx, xix, xxvi ; ii. 86, 87, 329. 

ingens, xxi. 

Pallas’s Band-Grouse, i. 140. 

Palmerston Erigate Pelican, ii. 182. 
pahnerstonl, Pelecanus, ii. 182. 

, Tachypetes, ii. 182. 

palpebrata, Diomedea, ii. 205. 
pcilustris, Ortygometra, Ivi; ii. 103. 
Pandion haliaetus, i. 222. 

Pandionidse, liv. 
pannosa, Ardea, ii. 129. 

, Herodias, ii. 129. 

Papango, ii. 98, 273. 

Papaungunngu, ii. 269. 
papua, Apt.enodytes, ii. 299, 304. 

, Chrysocoma, ii. 304. 

, Eudyptes, ii. 304. 

, Pygoscelis, ii. 304. 

, Spheniscus, ii. 304. 

papum, Apterodita, ii. 304. 

Papuan Penguin, ii. 304. 

Paradise Duck, ii. 19, 264, 265, 267. 
Pantdisea, i. 4, 30. 
paradoxus, Corvus, i. 106. 

, Syrrhaptes, i. 140. 

parasiticus, Lestris, ii. 66. 

, Stercorarius, ii. 66. 

Parera, ii. 251. 

Paridse, liv, Ixiii. 
parissima, Athene, i. 247. 
parhinsoni, Majaqueus, ii. 239, 242, 
246. 

, Procellaria, ii. 242, 244, 245, 

246. 

Parrakoet, i. 14, 55. 

, Antipodes Island, i. 148. 

, Australian Ground-, i. 149. 

, EosehiU, i. 196. 

, Ground-, Ivii. 

, New-Zealand, i. 244. 

, Orange-fronted, lix ; i. 146. 

, Eed-fronted, lix ; i. 137 ; ii. 338. 

, Rowley’s, i. 147. 

, Warbling, xlii. 

, YeUow-fronted, lix; i. 142. 

Parrot, Blue Mountain-, i. 171. 

, Brown, i. 217. 

, Buff-crowned, i. 146. 

■, Grass-, i. 171. 

, Ground-, i. 176. 

, Kaka, lix ; i. 24, 150. 

, Kea, lix ; i. 166. 

, Mountain, i. 166. 

, Owl, lix ; i. 172, 176, 190. 

, Owl-billed, i. 180. 

, Pacific, i. 137, 142, 

, Pecquet’s, i. 157. 

, Sheep-killing, i. 244. 

, Southern Brown, i. 150. 

Parson bird, lix. 

, Tui or, i. 94. 

Parsonia alUflora, i. 3. 


Partridge, i. 226. 

Parus macrocephalus, i. 42. 

novce seelandkc, i. 51. 

zealamlice, i. 51. 

senilis, i. 53. 

urosiignia, i. 51. 

zelandicus, i. 51. 

parva. Sterna, ii. 75. 
parvirostris, Graucalus, i. 67, 68. 

, (Estrelata, ii. 224. 

parvissinm, Athene, i. 205. 

, Strix, i. 205, 246, 247. 

parvus, Dinornis, xxv, xxvii, xxxiii. 
Passenger-Pigeon, i. 145 ; ii. 183. 

Passer doniesiicus, xliv ; i. 123. 

Passeres, xvi, Ixi ; i. 37. 
patachonica, Aptcnodytes, ii. 306. 

, Piuguinaria, ii. 306. 

patagiatus, Podiccps, ii. 283. 

Patagonian Penguin, ii. 306. 

Patake, ii. 257. 

Patatai, ii. 95, 98. 

Patcke, ii. 269. 

Pateketeke, ii. 283. 
pecqusti, Dasyptilus, i. 157. 

Peciiuet’s Parrot, i. 157. 
pectoralis, Coturnix, i. 226, 228. 

, Rallus, Ivi ; ii. 95. 

pedestris, Totanus, ii. 38. 

Peho, i. 192. 

Pekapeka, ii. 98. 
pelagioa, Procellaria, ii. 250. 
Pelagodroma, Ixxviii, Ixxx. 

fregafa, ii. 248. 

marina, ii. 248. 

Pelecanidsp, Ixxvii ; ii. 186. 

Pelecanoides, Ixxviii. 

herardii, ii. 208. 

urinatrix, ii. 65, 199, 207, 208, 

234. 

pelecanoides, Pclecanopus, ii. 78. 
Vdioonaopws pelecanoides, ii. 78. 

Pelocanus aqudus, ii. 182. 

earunculatns, ii. 155. 

cirrhatus, ii. 157. 

graeulus, ii. 146. 

leucocephalm, ii. 182., 

minor, ii. 185. 

ncevius, ii. 164. 

p)almerstoni, ii. 182. 

pica, ii. 149. 

punetatus, ii. 164. 

varius, ii. 149.. 

Pelican, Erigate, ii. 182. 

, Lessor Frigate, ii. 185. 

, Palmerston Frigate, ii. 182. 

, 'White-headed Frigate, ii. 182. 

Penguin, xxvi, Ivii. 

, Black, ii. 296. 

, Blue, ii. 300. 

, Crested, ii. 287, 296.. 

, King, ii. 306. 

, Little Blue, ii. 302. 

, Macaroni, ii. 297. 

, Patagonian, ii. 306. 

, Royal, ii. 298. 

, Sclater’s, ii. 289. 

, Thick-billed, ii. 299. 

, Tufted, ii. 290. 

, Yellow-crowned, ii. 294. 

pennatitii, Aptcnodytes, xiii, xiv ; ii. 306. 

, Platycercus, i. 171. 

, Spheniscus, ii. 306. 


Perdix cinerea, i. 226. 

Peregrine, ii. 183. 

peregriwus, Faloo, i. 217. 

personatvs, Lobivanellus, ii. 39. 

Petrel, Antarctic, ii. 229. _ 

, Banks’s Dove, ii. 211. 

, Berard’s Diving-, ii. 208. 

, Black, ii. 242. 

, Black-bcRied Storm-, ii. 249. 

, Blue, ii. 214. 

, Broad-biBed, ii. 212. 

— — , Broad-biUed Dove, ii. 212. 

, Brown, ii. 241. 

, Cook’s, ii. 217. 

, Diving, ii. 65, 199, 207, 234. 

— , Doubtful, ii. 220. 

■ , Dove, ii. 64, 209. 

, Dusky, ii. 238. 

, Frigate, ii. 248, 

, Giant, ii. 225, 226. 

, Gould’s Dove, ii. 212. 

, Grcy-backed Storm-, ii. 247. 

, Grey-faced, ii. 245. 

, Mottled, ii. 223. 

, Pintado, ii. 215. 

, SchlegeTs, ii. 224. 

, Silvery-groy, ii. 228. 

, Soft-plumaged, ii. 222. 

, Sooty, ii. 221. 

, White-faced Storm-, ii. 248. 

, White-headed, ii. 219. 

, Wilson’s Storm-, ii. 250. 

Petrochelidon, Ixv. 

nigricans, i. 74. 

Petroeca, Iv ; i. 33, 34, 37. 

Petroica alhifrons, i. 36, 38. 

australis, i. 33. ‘ 

dieffenbacJiii , i. 42, 43. 

longipes, i. 33, 38. 

macrocepluda, i. 42, 43. 

toitoi, i. 39. 

traversi, i. 38. 

Pezoporus ybriBOSMS, i. 149. 

novoi zeelandice, i. 137. 

Phaethon, Ixxviii. 

ruhricauda, xl ; ii. 186, 338. 

Phaelhonidie, Ixxviii. 

Phaeton, ii. 187, 188. 

aetliereus, ii. 186. 

demersws, ii. 299. 

pheeniimros, ii. 186. 

pbmnicurws, ii. 186. 

ruh'icauda, i. 68 ; ii. 186. 

Phalacrocorax, xxxiii, Ixxvii. 

albiventris, ii. 160, 174. 

brevirostris, ii. 148, 154, 168, 169, 

170, 171, 173, 335. 

carbo, ii. 1 46. 

carboides, ii. 145. 

curunculutus, ii. 153, 155, 157, 

161, 162. 

chalconotus, ii. 159, 162, 163. 

cirrliatas, ii, 153, 157, 159. 

colensoi, ii. 161. 

featherstoni, Ivii; ii. 166. 

finsrhi, ii. 168, 169, 170, 173, 

335. 

JlavirJignchus, ii. 173. 

glaueus, ii. 163. 

Imttoni, ii. 174. 

hgpoleuctts, ii. 149. 

imperialis, ii. 153, 155. 

leucogaster, ii. 149. 


354 


INDEX. 


Phalacrocorax magellanicm, Ivii ; ii. 167. 

melanoleucus, ii. 168, 173. 

ncevius, ii. 164. 

nova hollandicB, xlii ; ii. 145, 160. 

nycthemerus, Ivii ; ii. 167. 

piinctatus, ii. 152, 164, 166. 

pur^uragula, ii. 171. 

pttrpumseens, ii. 167. 

samiientonus, ii. 167. 

sticiocepjutlus, ii. 171. 

sulcirostris, xiii. 

varivs, ii. 149, 174. 

verrucosus, ii. 156. 

Phalaropo, Grey, ii. 30. 

Piialaropus, Ixxii. 

asiaticus, ii. 30. 

falicarius, xl ; ii. 30. 

glaiialis, ii. 30. 

griseus, ii. 30. 

lohatus, ii. 30. 

platyrhynolms, ii. 30. 

platyrostris, ii. 30. 

ruJtcapUlus, i. 68. 

rufus, ii. 30. 

pTiaroides, Creadion, i. 18. 

Phasianus coleJiieus, i. 226. 

torquatus, i. 226. 

Pheasant, i. 55. 

, Chinese, i. 226. 

, Common, xlvii. 

, English, i. 226. 

Philedon durnerilii, i. 85. 

sannio, i. 85. 

Philemon ciiwinnatus, i. 94. 

Philepitta, i. 110. 

Philepittidso, i. 110. 
pliilippensi^, Eulabeornis, ii. 95. 

, Hypotmuidia, ii. 95. 

, Platycercus, Ivii. 

, Rallina, ii. 95. 

, llallus, Ivi, Iviii, Ixxv; ii. 95, 97, 

100, 111, 118, 122, 123, 336. 
Philippine Hail, ii. 95. 

Phoebetria ii. 205. 

Phoenienros ruhrieawla, ii. 186. 
phcenicuros. Phaeton, ii. 186. 
pliomieurus, Phaeton, ii. 186. 
pica, Pelecanus, ii. 149. 

Piearise, Ixvii. 
picata, Leucosarcia, i. 250. 
ptimtus, Haematopus, ii. 16. 
pictus, llallus, ii. 95, 97. 

Pie a pendcloquos, i, 106. 

Pied Eantail, lix; i. 69, 72, 73. 

Oyster-catcher, ii. 16, 18, 19, 29. 

Shag, ii. 149. 

Pigeon, New-Zealand, lix ; i. 229. 

, Wood-, Iviii. 

, Nicobar, i. 250. 

, Passenger, i. 145 ; ii. 183. 

, Wood-, i. 34; ii. 79. 

Pihipihi, i. 113. 

Pihoihoi, i. 63. 

Pikari, i. 94. 

Pimiromiro, i. 39. 

Pingirungiru, i. 39. 

Pinguinaria cristata, ii. 299. 

pataclionica, ii. 306. 

Pintado Petrel, ii. 215. 

Piopio, i. 14, 26, 27, 28. 

Pipiauroa, i. 132. 

Piping-Crow, i. 4. 

Pipipi, i. 51. j 


Pipit, ii. 338. 

, New-Zealand, lix ; i. 63, 65. 

Pipitori, i. 39. 

Pipiwarauroa, i. 132. 

Pipridm, i. 110. 

Pirairaka, i. 69. 

Piripiri, i. 1 13. 
piseator, Dysporus, xiii. 

Pitakataka, i. 69. 

Pitoitoi, i. 14, 33. 

Pitta, i. 110. 

PittidoB, i. 110, 115. 

Pi-tui, i. 94. 

Piwaiwaka, i. 69. 

Piwakawaka, i. 69. 

Piwauwau, i. 108. 

plagosus, Chrysococcyx, Iv ; i. 132. 

Platalea, Ixxvii. 

latirostrum, ii. 144. 

melanorhyneha, ii. 144. 

melanorhynehos, ii. 144. 

regia, ii. 144. 

Plataleidaj, Ixxvii. 

Platyeercida), Ixviii ; i. 243. 
Platycercus, xxxiii, xl, liv, Ivi, Ixviii ; 
i. 244. 

alpinm, lix ; i. 146, 147. 

aucMandicus, Ivii ; i. 137, 145, 

147. 

auriceps, xiii, lix ; i. 96, 142, 145, 

147, 149. 

cooMi, i. 137, 145. 

erythrotis, i. 137, 145. 

eximius, i. 171, 196. 

fairchildii, i. 148, 149. 

forsteri, i. 137, 139, 145. 

malherbii, Ivii ; i. 142, 143, 145. 

nova guinea, i. 137. 

zealandiw, xiii, xliii, lix ; i. 

32, 137, 138, 145, 146, 147, 
149, 244; ii. 338. 

zelandim, i. 142. 

pacijiciis, i. 137, 145. 

pennantii, i. 171. 

philippensis, Ivii. 

rayneri, i. 137, 145. 

rowleyi, i. 147. 

saiseiti, i. 139. 

seniitorqwitus, i. 171. 

ulietanus, i. 145. 

unicolor, Ivii ; i. 145, 148, 149, 

243, 244. 

viridis unicolor, i. 148. 

platyidiynehus, Phalaropus, ii. 30. 
platyrostris, Phalaropus, ii. 30. 

Plotus, xxxix, Ixxvii. 

novae hollandia, xxxix ; ii. 175. 

Plover, Australian Masked, ii. 13. 

, Chestnut-breasted, ii. 3. 

, Dusky, ii. 1. 

, Eastern Golden, xl, Ivi ; ii. 6. 

, Eulvous, ii. 6. 

, Masked, ii. 39. 

, New-Zealand, ii. 11. 

, , Shore-, ii. 11. 

, Stilt, ii. 2. 

, Wry-biUed, xxxvii ; ii. 9, 39. 

plumhea, Crex, ii. 101. 

Pluvialis / mZvms, ii. 6. 

Icmgipes, ii. 6. 

taitensis, ii. 6. 

xantlioclieilus, ii. 6. 

pluvialis, Charadrius, ii. 6. 


Pluviorhynchus ohscurus, ii. 1. 
Podiceps, Ixxxiii. 

australis, ii. 283. 

cristatus, ii. 283, 284, 285. 

heetori, ii. 284, 285. 

; (''ar.), ii. 283. 

longirostris, ii. 283. 

mitratus, ii. 283. 

nestor, ii. 281. 

patagiatus, ii. 283. 

rujipectus, xiii ; ii. 280. 

Podicipedidse, ixxxiii. 

Poo Bee-eater, i. 94. 
poeciloptera, Ardea, ii. 141. 
poeciloptUa, Botaurus, ii. 141. 
jxxciloptilus, Botaurus, Ivi. 

Pogonornis, xl, Iv, ixvi. 

eincta, lis; i. 101, 103, 242: ii 

336. 

Pohoriki, ii. 261. 

Pohowera, ii. 3. 
poiceloptera, Ardea, ii. 141. 
poicilopterus, Botaurus, ii. 141. 
•pioidloptila, Ardea, ii. 141. 
poidloptilas, Botaurus, ii. 141. 
Pokotiwha, ii. 287. 
polaris, Thalassoica, ii. 228. 

Polynesia, Totanus, ii. 38. 
poynare, Bruchigavia, ii. 61. 

, Gavia, ii. 58. 

, Larus, ii. 59. 

ptomarre, Gavia, ii. 61. 

Popokatea, liii ; i. 55. 

Popokotca, i. 53, 54. 

Poporohe, i. 81. 

Popotai, ii. 95. 

Popotea, i. 53. 

Porere, i. 137. 

Porphyrio, xiv, xxxiii, xxxix, Ixxv. 

cyanocephalus, ii. 79. 

melanonotus, xiii, Ivi, Iviii ; ii. 89 

90, 92, 338. 

melanotus, i. 209 ; ii. 79. 

stanleyi, ii. 80. 

Porzana afinis, ii. 103. 

immaculata, ii. 101. 

tabuensis, ii. 101. 

Poupoutea, i. 53. 

Powhaitore, i. 137. 
piratensis, Crex, ii. 98. 

Priocolla antarctiea, ii. 229. 

garnotti, ii. 228. 

Priofinus brevieaudus, ii. 230. 

cinereus, ii. 241. 

Prion, Ixxviii ; ii. 210. 

ctriel, ii. 211, 213. 

aiistralis, ii. 212. 

banksii, ii. 210, 211, 212, 213. 

rossii, ii. 21 1. 

turtur, Ixxix; ii. 64, 209, 210, 

211, 212, 213, 220, 227. 

vittatus, Ixxix ; ii. 211, 212. 

Prionoplus, i. 129. 
p)ritchardi, Megapodius, ii. 333. 
Procellaria adamastor, ii. 241. 

affmis, i. 201 ; ii. 223. 

antarctiea, ii. 229. 

ariel, ii. 212. 

atlantica, ii. 221. 

hanlcsii, ii. 211. 

herard, ii. 208. 

brevipes, ii. 21 7. 

cwndect, ii. 214. 


INDEX. 


355 


Procellaria capensis, ii. 215. 

cnrneipes, ii. 234. 

chlororJiyncha, ii. 235. 

■ citierea, ii. 241. 

cooled, ii. 217. 

forsteri, ii. 212, 214. 

fuUginosa, ii. 221, 232. 

gavia, ii. 236. 

gigantea, ii. 225. 

glacialis, ii. 228. 

glacialoides, ii. 220, 228. 

gouMi, ii. 221, 245, 246. 

grallaria, ii. 249. 

grisea, ii. 232. 

griseus, ii. 234. 

(jidaris, ii. 223. 

lupsitata, ii. 241. 

hasitata, ii. 241. 

incerta, xiii ; ii. 220. 

latirostria, ii. 212. 

lessoni, ii. 219. 

leucocepliala, ii. 219. 

Icucojgtera, ii. 217. 

macroptera, ii. 221, 245. 

marina, ii. 248. 

melanogastra, ii. 249. 

mollis, xiii ; ii. 222, 223. 

negleeta, ii. 224. 

nereis, ii. 247. 

nugnx, ii. 239. 

ohscura, ii. 238. 

oceanica, ii. 250. 

ossifraga, ii. 225. 

parhinsoni, ii. 242, 244, 245, 

246. 

pelagica, ii. 250. 

punctata, ii. 215. 

similis, ii. 214. 

stnithi, ii. 228. 

sphenui'a, ii. 235. 

tenuirostris, ii. 228, 230. 

tridactyla, ii. 207. 

tristis, ii. 232. 

tiirtur, ii. 209. 

urinatrix, ii. 207. 

vittaia, ii. 212. 

wllsoni, ii. 250. 

Procellarise, ii. 233. 

ProceUariiclfo, xl, Ixxviii; ii. 216, 219, 
337. 

Procelsterna albivitta, ii. 78. 
productus, Nestor, Ivii ; i. 24, 151, 
164. 

Prosthemadera, xl, Ixv. 

concinnata, i. 94. 

novee zealandice, xiii, lix ; i. 94, 

242, 338. 

Pscudoprion ariel, ii. 213, 

banksii, ii, 211. 

turiw, ii. 209. 

Psittaci, Ixviii. 

Psittacids, i. 245. 

Psittaous, i. 180. 

australis, i. 150. 

-■ liypopolius, i. 150. 

meridionalis, i. 150. 

nestor, i. 150. 

noxKV zeelandicp, i. 137. 

jyaeijlcus, i. 1 

Pterodroma atlantica, ii. 221, 

fuliginosa, ii. 221. 

macroptera, ii. 245. 

Ptilonorhynchinse, i. 30. 


Ptilonorhynchus, i. 4, 30. 

Ptilotis, xl, Iv. 

auritus, i. 101. 

carunculata, i. 249. 

cinefa, i. 101. 

Puano, i. 108. 

Pueto, ii. 101. 

Pufllnuria urinatrix, ii. 207. 

Puffinus, Ixxx. 

aniaarosoma, ii. 232. 

assimilis, ii. 218, 236, 239. 

hrevicaudatiis, ii. 230. 

hrevieaudus, ii. 230. 

hulleri, ii. 240, 335. 

oarneipos, ii. 233, 234. 

chlororlignchos, ii. 235. 

ehlororhynchus, ii. 235, 240. 

cinereus, ii. 241. 

gavia, ii. 236, 239. 

griseus, ii. 232, 233. 

kuldii, ii. 241. 

major, ii. 232. 

melanoyaster, ii. 238 . 

ohsmras, ii. 238, 239. 

opistliojnelas, ii. 236, 

sphenurus, ii. 235. 

stricklandi, ii. 232. 

tenuirostris, ii. 230, 232. 

tristis, ii. 232, 234. 

Pokeko, i. 209 ; ii. 79, 89, 90, 338. 
pulverulentus, Gambetta, ii. 38. 

, Totanus, ii. 38. 

punctata, Acanthisitta, i. 113. 

•, Anas, ii. 262. 

, Ardetta, ii. 136. 

, Gallinago, ii. 40. 

, Sitta, i. 113. 

, Synallaxis, i. 59. 

, Proe('llaria, ii. 215. 

punctatus, Gracalus, ii. 164. 

, Graucalus, ii. 164. 

, Megalunis, i. 59. 

, Pelecaiius, ii. 164. 

, Phalacrooorax, ii. 152, 164, 166. 

, llallus, ii. 103. 

, SpliencEaeus, lix; i. 59, 61, 62, 

241, 339. 

, Stieticarbo, ii. 164. 

Punua, ii. 47. 

Puohotata, ii. 95. 

Purourou, i. 18. 

purpuragula, Graucalus, ii. 171. 

, Phalacroeorax, ii. 171. 

purpurascens, Garbo, ii. 155. 

, Leucocarbo, ii. 155. 

, Phalacroeorax, ii. 167. 

pusilla, Ardea, ii. 136. 

, Ardeola, ii. 136. 

, Ardetta, Ivi ; ii. 136. 

, Gallinago, ii. 32, 33. 

Putaitai, ii. 269. 

Putakitaki, ii. 264. 

Putangitangi, ii. 264. 

Putoto, ii. 101. 

pygmeea, Ortygometra, ii. 103. 
P'ygopodcs, xvi, Ixxxiii. 

Pygoscelis antipoda, ii. 294. 

antipodes, ii. 294. 

papua, ii. 304. 

tamiata, ii. 304. 

— — tceniatus, ii. 304. 

wagleri, ii. 299, 304. 


pyrrhonota, Herse, i. 74. 

, Hirundo, i. 74. 

Quail, xlvii ; i. 32, 55. 

, Australian, i. 226. 

, Californian, i. 123, 226, 249. 

, New-Zealand, i. 225, 249. 

, Swamp-, i. 226. 

Quail-Hawk, lix ; i. 213. 
Quebranta-huesos, ii. 227. 

Querquedula gibberifrons, ii. 261. 

Hail, Ivii. 

, Banded, ii. 95, 98, 104, 336. 

, Hieffenbaeh’s, ii. 121. 

, Hutton’s, ii. 123. 

, Land-, ii. 96, 98. 

, Marsh-, ii. 103. 

, New-Caledouia, ii. 122. 

, Philippine, ii. 95. 

, Swainson’s, ii. 100. 

, Swamp-, ii. 101, 102. 

, Tabuau, ii. 101. 

, Troglodyte, ii. 116. 

, Wcka, i. 24. 

Bainbird, ii. 236. 

Eaipo, ii. 273. 

Rale raye des Philippines, ii. 95. 

Rallida), Ixxiv ; ii. 86. 

HaXlma. pldUppeims, ii. 95. 

RaRus, xxxiii, xxxix, Ixxiv. 

assimilis, ii. 95. 

australis, ii. 116. 

hracldpus, ii. 100. 

hracTiypus, Ivii. 

crepiitans, i. 209. 

dieffenhaeldi, Ivii ; ii. 121, 122, 

ikl. 

forsteri, ii. 95, 97. 

hypotesnidia, ii. 95. 

Uwinii, ii. 100. 

macquariensis, Ivii ; ii. 95. 

minor, ii. 101. 

minutus, ii. 101, 

modestus, ii. 123. 

pectoralis, Ivi ; ii. 95. 

philippensis, Ivi, Iviii, Ixxv ; ii. 95, 

97, 100, 111, 118, 122, 123, 336. 

pictus, ii. 95, 97. 

punctatus, ii. 103. 

rufus, ii. 106. 

striatus, ii. 97. 

tabuensis, ii. 101. 

troglodytes, ii. 105, 116. 

Ratitas, xxxvi, Ixxxiv ; ii. 109. 
rayneri, Platycercus, i. 137, 145. 
Rearca, i. 85. 

Recurvirostra, Ixxii. 

novee hollandm, ii. 20, 

rubricollis, ii. 20. 

Red-billed Gull, ii. 55, 60. 

Red-capped Dottrel, ii. 5, 39. 
Red-fronted Parrakcet, lix ; i, 137 ; ii. 
338. 

Red Kiwi, ii. 331. 

Red-necked Avocet, ii. 20, 

Redpoll, xlvii. 

Red-tailed Tropic-bird, ii. 18 
Red-throated Widow-bird, i. 71, 
regia, Platalea, ii. 144. 

Reunion Harrier, i. 206. 

Ehantistes cooki, ii. 217. 

lessoni, ii. 219. 


356 


INDEX. 


Rhantistes mollis, ii. 222 

velox, ii. 217. 

Rhea, ii. 325. 

rJieides, Dinornis, xxiii, xxvii. 
Rhipidura, liy, Ivi, Ixiy ; i. 115. 

alhiscapa, i. 69, 135. 

flnhellifera, lix ; i. 23, 69, 72, 73. 

}nlujmosa, lix; i. 23, 72, 73. 

macrocephala, i. 42. 

melanura, i. 72. 

motadlloides, xiii. 

sombre, i. 72. 

tristis, i. 72. 

Rhipogonum soandens, i. 3. 
Rhynchaspis, Lvxxii. 

rhynchotis, ii. 271. 

variegata, lyi ; ii. 269, 271 

rhynchotis. Anas, ii. 269. 

, Rhynchaspis, ii. 271. 

, Spatula, ii. 269. 

richardsonii, Lestris, ii. 66. 

Richardson’s Skua, ii. 66. 

Rifleman, lix ; i. 14, 113. 

Ring-Doye, Australian, i. 28. 

Ring-eye, i. 82. 

Riroiiro, i. 44. 

Riyer-Shag, Large Brown, ii. 146. 

Roa, ii. 330. 

Roaroa, ii. 330, 331. 

Robin, i. 27, 34, 237. 

, Chatham-Island, i. 38. 

, Jiorth-Island, lix ; i. 33. 

, South-Island, lix ; i. 36, 239. 

, Wood-, i. 131, 144, 209. 

rohustus, Dinornis, xxiij, xxvii, xxix ; ii 
333, 334. 

Rock -Dove, xvi. 

Roek-bopper, ii. 304. 

Rock-Wren, lix ; i. 111. 

Roller, Australian, xlii ; i. 118. 

Pacific,!. 118. 

Rollier a masque noir, i. 66. 

Rook, ii. 336. 
rossii, Prion, ii. 211. 

, Thinornis, ii. 11 . 

Rough-faced Shag, ii. 155. 
rowleyi, Platycercus, i. 147. 

Rowley’s Parrakect, i. 147. 

Royal Penguin, ii. 2.98. 

Spoonbill, ii. 144. 

ruhrimuda, Phaethon, xl ; ii. 186, 338. 

, Phaeton, i. 68 ii. 186. 

, Phoenicuros, ii. 186. 

rubricoUis, Recurvirostra, ii. 20. 
rubritorqves. Vidua, i. 71 . 

Rubus aiistridis, i. 3. 
rufa, Limosa, ii. 40. 

, Tringa, ii. 35. 

rufescens, Canutus, ii, 35. 

, Megaluriis, i. 62. 

, Numenins, ii. 45. 

, Sphcnoeaeus, Ivii ; i. 62 ; ii. 33 g 

rujicapitla, Hi.aticula, ii. 5. ’ ’ 

ruficapillns, -.'Egialophilus, ii. 5. 

, Charadrius, ii. 5. 

, Phalaropus, i. 68. 

mfieeps, Anthornis, i. 85, 86. 
rufipectm, Podicops, xlii ; ii. 280. 
rufipennis, Aplonis, i. 25. 
rvfus, Crymoijhilus, ii. 30. 

, Phalaropus, ii. 30. 

, RalJus, ii. 105. 

rufusater. Icterus, i. 18. 


Ruru, Ivi ; i. 192. 

Ruru-whekau, i. 198. 
rutila, Casarca, ii. 266. 

sacra, Alccdo, i. 121. 

, Ardea, xlii ; ii. 129, 135. 

, Halcyon, i. 126. 

, Herodias, ii. 129. 

Sacred Heron, ii. 129. 

Saddle-back, liii, lix ; i. 18, 20, 21, 237, 
238. 

saisetti, Cyauorhamphus, i. 139. 

— ; — , Platycercus, i. 139. 
saisseti, Cyauorhamphus, i. 137. 
saltator, Chrysocoma, ii. 290. 

, Eudyptes, ii. 290, 291. 

sancta, Dacelo, i. 121. 

, Halcyon, i. 122, 126. 

sanetm. Halcyon, i. 121. 

Sand-Grouse, Pallas’s, i. 140. 

Sandynper, ii. 37. 

, Grey, ii. 38. 

, Grisled, ii. 35. 

, Southern, ii. 35. 

sandwichensis. Anas, ii. 252, 
sannio, Cortina, i. 85. 

, Philcdon, i. 85. 

sarrnientorms, Phalacrocorax, ii. 167. 
Satin-bird, i. 4. 

Saxicolinae, i. 37. 
scandens, Rhipogonum, i. 3. 
seaymlaius, Aprosmictus, i. 171. 

Scaup, ii. 274. 

, New-Zealand, ii. 273. 

Sceloglaux, Ixix. 

— - alhifacies, xlii, lix; i. 198, 247. 
scJiillingii, Htema, ii. 73. 
sehlegeli, Eudyptes, ii. 298. 

Schlegel’s Petrel, ii. 224. 

Schoeniclus australis, ii. 37. 
sclateri, Eudyptes, ii, 289. 

Sclater’s Penguin, ii. 289. 

Scolopacidas, Ixxii. 

Scolopax holmesi, ii. 32. 

incanns, ii. 38. 

pacifica, ii. 38. 

solitaritis, ii. 38. 

undalata, ii. 38. 

Scops, i. 246. 

morotensis, i. 247. 

novee zealandim, i. 205, 246, 247. 

scopulinus, Larus, ii. 54, 55, 60, 61 
76. 

; , outer primaries of, ii. 62, 

, Lestris, ii. 55. 

major, Larus, ii. 61. 

Sea-Eagle, White-bellied, i. 212. 

Sea-Gull, ii. 64. 

, Common, i. 210. 

Sea-Swallow, ii. 68. 
semitorquatus, Platycercus, i. 171. 
senilis, Certhiparus, i. 53. 

, Pams, i. 53. 

serrator, Dysponis, ii. 177. 

, Mergus, ii. 279. 

, Sula, ii. 177. 

Shag, feeding young, ii. 152. 

, Auckland- Island, ii. 161. 

, Black, ii. 145, 160. 

, Brown, ii. 163. 

, Campbell-Island, ii. 167. 

, Carunculated, ii. 155, 157. 

■ , Chatham-Island, ii. 166. 


Shag, Emperor, ii. 153. 

, Prilled, ii. 173. 

, Gray’s, ii. 162. 

, Hutton’s, ii. 174. 

-, Large Brown River-, ii. 146. 

■ , Hew-Holland, ii. 145. 

■, Pied, ii. 149. 

, Rough-faced, ii. 155. 

, Spotted, ii. 164. 

, Tufted, ii. 157. 

— — , White-throated, ii. 168. 
Shearwater, Allied, ii. 239. 

• , Bonaparte’s, ii. 230." 

, Buller’s, ii. 240. 

, Dusky, ii. 238. 

, Plosh-footed, ii. 233. 

, Porstor’s, ii. 236. 

, Sombre, ii. 232. 

, Wedge- tailed, ii. 235. 

Sheep-killing Parrot, i. 244. 

Sheldrake, Common, ii. 266. 

— ~, How-Zealand, ii. 264, 266. 
Shining Cuckoo, xli, liy, ly, lix ; i 48 
129, 132, 136, 248, 338. 
Shore-Plover, New-Zealand, ii. 11 . 
Shoveller, Ivi. 

-, Now-Zealand, ii. 269. 

Shrike, Australian, i. 66. 

Shy Albatros, ii. 203. 

Silver-eye, lix ; i. 65, 77, 82. 
Silvery-grey Petrel, ii. 228. 
similis, ProceUaria, ii. 214. 
sinclus, Charadrius, ii. 14. 

Sitta chloris, i. 113. 

punctata, i. 113. 

Sittidie, liv. 

Skua, Richardson’s, ii. 66. 

■ , Southern, ii. 61. 

Sky'-Lark, xliii, xlvii. 

Small Prigato bird, ii. 185. 
smaragdineiis, Chrysococcyx, i. 131 . 
smithi, ProceUaria, ii. 228. 

Snipe, Ivii. 

, Ash-colourcd, ii. 38. 

, Auckland-Islaud, ii. 32. 

, Chatham-Island, ii. 33. 

Society Cuckoo, i. 127. 

Soft-biUed Duck, ii. 276. 

Soft-plumaged Petrel, ii. 222. 

Solitaire, li. 

solitaries, Scolopax, ii. 38. 
sombre, Rhipidura, i. 72. 

Sombre Shearwater, ii. 232. 

Sooty Albatros, ii. 205. 

Petrel, ii. 221. 

South Tomtit, i. 239. 

South-Island Kiwi, ii. 322, 323 

Kobin, lix; i. 36, 239. 

Thrush, lix; i. 31. 

^mtit, Ux; i. 42, 135 ; ii. 339. 

Woodhen, ii. 116. 

Southern Black-backed Gull, ii. 45. 

Brown Parrot, i. 150. 

Godwit, ii. 40. 

Sandpiper, ii. 35. 

Skua, ii. 61. 

sqyadicea, Carpophaga, i. 231. 

, Columba, i. 229. 

, Diomedea, ii. 189, 205. 

leucoqdum, Columba, i. 229. 

sparmanii, Lathamus, i. 137. 
sparrmannii, Ardea, ii. 139. 

SyDarrow, ii. 336. 


INDEX. 


357 


Sparrow, Ferii-, ii. 98. 

, Hedge-, ii. 336. 

, House-, xliv; i. 123, 242. 

, Swamp-, i. 60. 

Sparrow-Hawk, i. 28, 128, 144, 217, 

220 . 

, Cooper’s, i. 128. 

Spatula clypeata, ii. 271. 

rhynchotis, ii. 269. 

variegnta, ii. 269. 

Spheniscidse, liv, Ixxxiii. 

Spheniscus antipoda, ii. 294. 

chrysocome, ii. 290. 

diadematus, ii. 298. 

minor, ii. 300. 

papua, ii. 304. 

pennantii, ii. 306. 

iindina, ii. 302. 

Spheuceacus, liv, Ixiv ; i. 115. 

fidvus, i. 61 ; ii. 339. 

jmnctaUis, lix ; i. 59, 61, 62, 241, 

339. 

rufescens, Ivii ; i. 62 ; ii. 339. 

sphenura, Procellai'ia, ii. 235. 

, Thiellus, ii. 235. 

sphemtrus, Puffinus, ii. 235. 
spicatus, Himantopus, ii. 28. 

Spiloglaux, Ixix. 

mvee seelundice, i. 192. 

zealandice, xlii, lix ; i. 192, 

20,5, 246. 

spilonota, Zapornia, ii. 101. 
spinicanda, Orthonyx, i. 58. 

Spoon-bill Duck, ii. 269. 

Spoonbill, Iloyal, ii. 144. 

Spotted Heron, ii. 136. 

Shag, ii. 164. 

stanleyi, Porpbyrio, ii. 80. 

Stare, Wattled, i. 18. 

Starling, xlvii. 

Steganopodes, xv, xvi, Ixxvii. 
stellaris, Botaurus, ii. 142. 

Stercorarins, Ixxiii. 

antarrticus, ii. 63, 339. 

eatarrliacten, ii. 65. 

cMlensis, ii. 65. 

crepidatus, ii. 66. 

parasiticus, ii. 66. 

Sterna, Ixxiv. 

aihifrons, ii. 68. 

antaretica, ii. 2, 70. 

atripcs, ii. 68. 

caspia, ii. 73. 

cinerea, ii. 70, 78. 

fissipes, ii. 77. 

frontalis, ii. 60, 65, 68, 72, 77, 

133. 

leiKopttera, ii. 77. 

lo)igipe7inis, ii. 68. 

megarhynchos, ii. 73, 

melanotis, ii. 73. 

minuta, ii. 75. 

nereis, ii. 75. 

parva, ii. 75. 

sehillingii, ii. 73. 

tschegrava, ii. 73. 

vulgaris, ii. 73. 

Sternidie, Ixxiv. 

Steniula antaretica, ii. 70. 

nereis, ii. 75. 

Sticticarbo punctatus, ii. 164. 
stictoeephalus, Graiicalus, ii. 171. 

, Phalacrocorax, ii. 171. 


Stilt, Black, ii. 24, 26. 

, White-beaded, ii. 21, 26. 

, chick of White-headed, ii. 23. 

Stilt-Plover, i. 211 ; ii. 2. 

, Wliito-necked, ii. 27. 

“ Stink-pot,” ii. 226. 

Stitch-bird, lix; i. 55, 101, 242. 
siokesii, Xonicus, i. 108, 243. 
stolidus, Auous, xiii. 

Storm-Petrel, Black-bellied, ii. 249. 

, Grey-backed, ii. 247. 

— , White-faced, ii. 248. 

, Wilson’s, ii. 250. 

Straw-tail, ii. 188. 
strenuus, Sylochelidon, ii. 73. 

, Zosterops, Iviii. 

Strepera, i. 4, 30. 

Strepsilas, Ixxi. 

borealis, ii. 14. 

coUaris, ii. 14. 

interpres, xl; ii. 14. 

littoralis, ii. 14. 

minor, ii. 14. 

striatus, Aplonis, i. 25. 

, Italliis, ii. 97. 

stneldandi, Puffinus, ii. 232. 

Striges, Ixix. 

Strigidse, Ixix ; i. 246. 

Strigops greyii, i. 176, 177. 

Jiahroptilus, i. 176, 177, 180. 

Strigopsis hahroptilas, i. 176. 

Striugops, XXX, xxxiii, Ixix ; i. 180, 
188. 

greyi, i. 176; ii. 107. 

hahroplilus, xxxvii, xxxix, lix ; i. 

167, 172, 176, 246. 

Striiigopidffi, xl, Ixix; i. 246. 
Stringopinaj, i. 180. 

Stringopsis liahroptilus, i. 176. 

Strix delieatula, i. 205. 

fidva, i. 192. 

Jiaasli, i. 200. 

nova; seelundice, i. 192. 

parvissima, i. 205, 246, 247. 

Struthidoa, i. 4, 30. 

struthiokles, Dinornis, xix, xx, xxvii, 
xxviii. 

StruthioUthus, li. 

Struthiones, xvi, xxvi, xxxiv; ii. 108. 
Struthionida3, xx ; ii. 325. 

Struthions WArblers, i. 37. 

Sturnidae, Ixi ; i. 16, 23, 238. 

Sturnus, i. 4, 16. 

carunetdatns, i. 18. 

crispieollis, i. 94. 

suhiiiger, Falco, i. 212. 

Sula australis, ii. 177. 

cyanojms, ii. 338. 

serraior, ii. 177. 

siddrosiris, Phalacrocorax, xiii. 
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, i. 160. 
superha, Menura, i. 6. 
superhus, Nestor, i. 152, 
supereiliosa. Anas, xiii, xlvii, Ivi ; ii. 

251, 255, 259, 260, 272, 338. 
Supercilious Duck, ii. 251. 

Swainson’s Hail, ii. 100. 

Swallow, Australian Tree-, xiii ; i. 74. 

, Common, i. 76. 

, Dun-rumped, i. 74. 

, Ncw-Holland, i. 116. 

Swamp-hen, ii. 79. 
j Swamp-Quail, i. 226. 


Swamp-Hail, ii. 101, 162. 
Swamp-Sparrow, i. 60 ; ii. 255. 

Swan, Australian Black, xlvii. 

, Black, xlviii; ii. 19, 98. 

, White, xlviii ; ii. 336. 

Swift, Australian, xiii, Iviii ; i. 116. 
Sylochelidon haWiica, ii. 73. 

caspia, ii. 73. 

mdanotis, ii. 73. 

strenuus, ii. 73. 

sylvestris, Gorygonc, i. 50, 241 ; ii. 
335. 

, Ocydromus, Ivii ; i. 24 ; ii. 122. 

Sylvia citrina, i. 113. 

lateralis, i. 77. 

longipes, i. 108. 

versicolora, i. 132. 

Sylviidaj, xl, Ixii ; i. 37, 238. 

Synallaxis i. 59. 

Synoicus australis, i. 226. 
srjrmatopliora, Ardca, ii. 124. 
sijrmatopliorus, Herodias, ii. 124. 
Syrnium aluco, xlvii. 

Syrrhaptes ^amfZoa'MS, i. 140. 

Tabuan Hail, ii. 101. 
tahuensis, Aplonis, i. 25. 

, Corethrura, ii. 101. 

, Ort 5 'gometra, Iviii; ii. 101, 255. 

, Porzana, ii. 101. 

, Hallus, ii. 101. 

, Zapornia, ii. 101. 

tachetee, Maubfiche, ii. 35. 

Tachypetes, Ixxvii. 

aquila, xl ; i. 68 ; ii. 182. 

aquilus, ii. 182. 

leucoceplicdus, ii. 182. 

minor, ii. 185. 

palmerstoni, ii. 182. 

tainiata, Aptenodytes, ii. 304. 

, Pygoscclis, ii. 304. 

taeniatus, Pygoscclis, ii. 304. 
tahitiensis, Eudynamis, i. 127. 

, Numcnius, ii. 45. 

tahitius, Eudynamys, i. 127. 

Taihoropi, ii. 280. 

Taiko, ii. 242. 
taitensis, Charadrius, ii. 6. 

, Cuoulus, i. 127. 

, Eudynamis, Iv, Ivi, Iviii, lix ; 

i. 37, 44, 45, 127, 131 ; ii. 338. 

, Pluvialis, ii. 6. 

taitius, Cuoulus, i. 127. 

Takahe, ii. 85. 

Takapu, ii. 177. 

Takupn, ii. 177. 

Tanagra capensis, i. 31, 

■ macula via, i. 31. 

tanagra, Keropia, i. 26. 

, Otagon, i. 26. 

, Turnagra, i. 26, 27. 

Tara, ii. 68, 70. 

Tara-iti, ii. 75. 

Tara-nui, ii. 73. 

Tarapo, i. 176. 

Tarapunga, ii. 55, 58, 61. 

Taratimoho, ii. 280. 

Tarawhatu, ii. 257. 
tarda, Otis, xxv. 

Tarepo, i. 176. 

tataupa, Crypturiis, ii. 333. 

Tau-hou, i. 81. 

Tawaka, i. 213. 

3 A 


VOL. II. 


S58 


INDEX. 


Tawaki, ii. 287. 

Te Ariki, i. 8. 

Teal, Elack, ii. 273. 

, Green-winged, ii. 183. 

tenuirostris, Acauthisitta, i. 113. 

, Acanthiza, i. 113. 

, Proeellaria, ii. 228, 230. 

, Puifinus, ii. 230, 232. 

, Thalassoica, ii. 228. 

tejAropleunis, Zosterops, Iviii. 

Tern, Elack-frontcd, ii. 2, 70. 

, Caspian, ii. 73. 

, Ca3xnne, ii. 183. 

, Little White, ii. 7 5. 

, White-fronted, ii. 68. 

, White-winged Black, ii. 77. 

Tete, ii. 257, 261, 269. 
Tete-moroiti, ii. 261. 

Tetepango, ii. 273. 

Tete-whero, ii. 257. 

TetraonidaB, xl, Ixx ; i. 249. 
Thalasseus ccispiiis, ii. 73. 

iniperiitor, ii. 73. 

Thalassidroma fregata, ii. 248. 

liypoleuea, ii. 248. 

marina, ii. 248. 

melanogaster, ii. 249. 

melanogaMra, ii. 220. 

nereis, ii. 220, 247. 

oceanica, ii. 250. 

ivilsoni, iii 250. 

Thalassites melctnofis, ii. 73. 
Thalassocca, Ixxx. 

antnrctiea, ii. 229. 

glaeiuUs, ii. 228. 

glacialoides, ii. 228. 

Thalassoica antarctica, ii. 229. 

polaris, ii. 228. 

temtirostris, ii. 228. 

Thick-hilled Penguin, ii. 299. 

Thrush, i. 31. 

Thiellus chiororhj/ncha, ii. 235. 

sphemvriis, ii. 235. 

Thinornis, xxxvii, Ixxi. 

frontalis, ii. 9. 

■ novce seelayidixe, ii. 11. 

zeaJandue, xxxvii. 

zehmdim, ii. 11. 

rossii, ii. 11. 

Thrush, i. 30, 237. 

, Common, xlvii. 

■ , New-Zealand, i. 27. 

, North-Island, xliii, lix ; i. 26. 

, South-Island, lix ; i. 31. 

, Thick-hUlod, i. 31. 

, White-fronted, i. 36. 

tihicen, Gymnorhina, i. 209. 

Tieke, i. 14, 18, 21, 23. 

Tihe, i. 101. 

Tihe-kiore, i. 101. 

Tiheora, i. 101. 

Timelia, i. 30. 

Timeliidm, Ixiii ; i. 30, 241. 
Tinamou, ii. 333. 

Tinamus, ii. 109. 

Tinnunculus, i. 219. 

Tiora, i. 101. 

Tirairaka, i. 69. 

Tirauweke, i. 18. 

Tiraweke, i. 18. 

Titapn, i. 85. 

Titi, ii. 217, 230, 232, 

Titimako, i. 85. 


Titiporangi, ii. 273. 

Tititiponnamu, i. 113. 

Titmouse, Great-headed, i. 42. 

, New-Zoaland, i. 51. 

Tiutiukata, i. 26. 

Tfrvaiwaka, i. 69. 

Tiwakawaka, i. 69. 

Todirhamphus vagcins, i. 121. 

Todus, i. 110. 

Toitoi, i, 51. 

toifoi, Miro, i. 39, 42, 43. 

, Muscicapa, i. 39. 

, Myiomoira, xlii, lix ; i. 27, 37, 

39 ; ii. 339. 

, Petroica, i. 39. 

Tokcpiripiri, i. 113. 

Tokoeka, ii. 322, 331. 

Tokohea, ii. 85. 

Tomtit, i. 14, 114. 

, Illack, ii. 339. 

, North-Island, lix ; i. 39 ; ii. 339. 

, South-Island, lix ; i. 42, 135, 

239 ; ii. 339. 

Torea, ii. 16, 21. 

Torea-pango, ii. 18, 24. 

Torea-tai, ii. 16. 

Torete, i. 137. 

Toroa, Ivi ; ii. 189, 198. 

Toroa-haoika, ii. 177. 

Toroa-pango, ii. 205. 
torqiiatula, Charadrius, ii. 11. 
torquatus, Phasianus, i. 226. 

Totanns, Ixxiii. 

aeuminatiis, ii. 37. 

hrevipes, ii. 38. 

■ fidiginosus, ii. 38. 

griseopyygins, ii. 38. 

incamis, xl ; ii. 38. 

oceanieus, ii. 38. 

pedcstris, ii. 38. 

pyoli/nesice, ii. 38. 

pulvenilentus, ii. 38. 

Totoara, i. 33, 88. 

Totokipio, ii. 280. 

Totorore, ii. 209, 232. 

Toucan, i. 16. 

, American, i. 15. 

Toutou, i. 33. 

Toutouwai, liii ; i. 33, 34. 
traversi, Miro, Ivii : i. 38 ; ii. 339. 

, Petroica, i. 38. 

Tree-Swallow, i. 116. 

— — , Australian, xlii ; i. 74. 

Tribonyx, xiv, liv ; ii. 90, 109. 

■ gouldi, xiv. 

moriieri, xiv ; ii. 84, 335. 

ventralis, xlii. 

Trichoglossinffi, i. 157, 164. 
tridactyla, Proeellaria, ii. 207. 

Tringa, Ixxii. 

acuminata, xl ; ii. 37, 39. 

australis, ii. 35, 37. 

caVdris, ii. 35. 

canutus, xl ; ii. 35, 39. 

einerea, ii. 35. 

crassirostris, ii. 36. 

ferruginea, ii. 35. 

fulicaria, ii. 30. 

glacifdis, ii. 30. 

grisen, ii. 35. 

Imdsonica, ii. 14. 

— — interpres, ii. 14. 

islandica, ii. 35. 


Tringa lobata, ii. 13. 

morinella, ii. 14. 

ncevia, ii. 35. 

rufa, ii. 35. 

Tristan d’Acunha Hail, ii. 104. 
tristis, Pufflnus, ii. 232, 234. 

, llhipidura, i. 72. 

tristrami, Halcyon, i. 126. 

Troglodyte Hail, ii. 116. 

troglodytes, Ooydromus, ii. 116, 119, 337. 

— — , itallus, ii. 105, 116. 

Tropic bird, ii. 188, 220, 338. 

, Hcd-tailcd, ii. 186. 

Tropidorhynchi, i. 128. 
Tropidorhynchus, xl. 

Trynga glareola, ii. 38. 
tschegrava, Sterna, ii. 73. 

Tuarahia, ii. 24. 

Tuhinarea, xvi, xl, Ixxviii. 

Tufted Penguin, ii. 290. 

Shag, ii. 157. 

Tui, lix; i. 14, 27, 54, 89, 94, 238, 
242, 249 ; ii. 336, 338. 

, or Parson bird, i. 94. 

Turdidae, xvi ; i. 37. 

Turdiformes, i. 37. 

Turdus, i. 30. 

alhifrons, i. 36. 

australis, i. 33. 

crassirostris, i. 31. 

minutiis, i. 42. 

ochrotarsus, i. 36. 

turdus, Loxia, i. 31. 

, Otagon, i. 31. 

, Turnagra, i. 31. 

Turnagra, Ixii ; i. 26, 30. 

crassirostris, liii, lix; i. 26, 31, 

237. 

hectori, xliii, liii, lix ; i. 26, 27. 

tanagra, i. 26, 27. 

turdus, i. 31. 

Turnagridae, xvi, xl, Ixii ; i. 30, 237. 
Turnstone, ii. 14. 

tartar. Prion, Ixxix ; ii. 64, 209, 210, 
211, 212, 213, 220, 227. 

, Proeellaria, ii. 209. 

, Pseudoprion, ii. 209. 

Tutumata, ii. 21. 

Tuturipourewa, ii. 21. 

Tuturiwhati, ii. 1, 3. 

Tuturiwhatu, ii. 1, 3. 

Tuturuatu, ii. 11 . 
typica, Halobmna, ii. 209. 
typus, Adamastor, ii. 241. 

Tyrannidm, i. 110. 

ulietanus, Plat 5 'cerous, i. 145 
umhrata, Zapornia, ii. 101. 
umhrina, Zapornia, ii. 101. 
unditm, Aptenodytes, ii. 302. 

, Eudj’ptula, ii. 302, 303. 

, Spheniscus, ii. 302. 

undulaia, Scolopax, ii. 38. 
undulatus, Melopsittacus, xlii. 
unicolor, Cyanoramphus, i. 148. 

, HaBmatopus, xlii ; ii. 18. 

, Platycerous, Ivii ; i. 145, 148, 

149, 243, 244. 

Upokotea, i. 53. 

Upupa, i. 16. 

Upupidse, i. 8. 

urinator, Colymbus, ii. 283. 

urinatrix, Halodroma, ii. 207. 


INDEX. 


359 


urinatrix, Poleoanoides, ii. 65, 199, 
207, 208, 234. 

, Proeellaria, ii. 207. 

, Puffinuria, ii. 207. 

uro2>>/giaUs, Limosa, ii. 40. 
urostigma, Parus, i. 51. 
utojiieims, Charadrius, ii. 35. 

vagans, Alccdo, i. 121. 

, Halcyon, lix ; i. 121, 122, 126 ; 

ii. 338. 

, Todirhamplius, i. 121. 

Vanellus gallinaceus, ii. 13. 

lohatus, ii. 13. 

nova hollanclioe, ii. 13. 

Variable Warbler, i. 132. 
variegata. Anas, ii. 264. 

, Anser, ii. 264. 

, Casarca, Ivi ; ii. 264, 253. 

, Rhyncbaspis, Ivi; ii. 269, 271. 

, Spatula, ii. 269. 

Variegated Goose, ii. 264. 
variiis, Gracalns, ii. 149. 

, Grauoalns, ii. 149. 

, Hypoloucus, ii. 149. 

, Peleoanus, ii. 149. 

, Phalacrocorax, ii. 174. 

velo.v, CookUaria, ii. 217. 

, Ebantlstes, ii. 217. 

venafiea, Nootua, i. 192. 
ventilahriim, VluBcicapa, i. 69. 
venfralis, Tribonyx, xlii. 
verrucosus, Phalacrocorax, ii. 156. 
versicolor, Cuoulus, i. 132. 
versicolora, Sylvia, i. 132. 

Vestaria coecinea., i. 105. 

Vidiia ruhritorgues, i. 71. 

Virago castanea, ii. 261. 

Viral va hiicoptera, ii. 77. 
virgitiidims, Cardinalis, i. 30. 

, Cbaradrius, ii. 6. 

virginicus, Charadrius, ii. 6. 
viridigriseus, Aplonis, i. 25. 
viridis imicolor, Platycercus, i. 148. 
viiiensis, Aplonis, i. 25. 
vittata, Cypselus, i. 116. 

, Eudyptes, ii. 299. 

, ilicropu.?, i. 116. 

, Pachyptila, ii. 212. 

, Proeellaria, ii. 212. 

vittatus, Prion, Ixxix ; ii. 211, 212. 
vociferm, Larus, ii. 47. 
vulgctris. Sterna, ii. 73. 

wagleri, Pygoscelis, ii. 299, 304. 
Wandering Albatros, ii. 189, 192, 193, 
194, 196. 

Warauroa, i. 45, 132. 


Warbler, Bush-, i. 50. 

, Caerulean, i. 77. 

, Chatham-Island, i. 49. 

, Citrine, i. 113. 

, Grey, lix ; i. 14, 44, 46, 129, 

131, 136, 248. 

, Long-legged, i. 108. 

, Variable, i. 132. 

Warblers, Struthiou.s, i. 37. 

Warbling Parrakeet, xlii. 

Wattle-bird, Australian, xlii. 

, Cinereous, i. 5. 

Wattled Bee-eater, i. 106. 

Crow, i. 106. 

Stare, i. 18. 

Wax-eye, i. 82. 

Wedge-tailed Shearwater, ii. 235. 

Weka, liii ; i. 237; ii. 105, 116, 337. 

, North-Island, ii. 116. 

Bail, i. 24. 

Weka-pango, ii. 112. 

Wetawotangu, ii. 269. 

Weweia, ii. 280. 

Whale-bird, ii. 210, 220. 

Whekau, i. 198. 

Whioi, i. 63. 

Whiroia, ii. 209. 

Whistling Duck, ii. 268. 

White Crane, i. 221 ; ii. 124. 

Heron, ii. 124. 

Swan, xlviii ; ii. 336. 

Tern, Little, ii. 75. 

White-bellied Sea-Eagle, i. 212. 
White-eye, i. 82 ; ii. 338. 

White-eyed Duck, ii. 275. 

Wliite-faced Storm-Petrel, ii. 248. 
White-fronted Heron, ii. 134. 

Tern, ii. 68. 

Thrush, i. 36. 

White-head, lix ; i. 27, 53, 54, 55, 
114. 

White-headed Prigate Pelican, ii. 182. 

Petrel, ii. 219. 

Stilt, ii. 21, 26. 

, chick of, ii. 23. 

White-necked Stilt-Plover, ii. 27. 
White-shafted Flycatcher, i. 135. 
White-throated Shag, ii. 168. 
White-winged Black Tern, ii. 77. 

Duck, Ivi. 

Widgeon, ii. 273. 

Widow-bird, Bod-throated, i. 71. 

Wild Duck, i. 55. 
wilsoni, Callajas, i. 1, 2. 

, Glaucopis, xlii, liii, lix ; i. 1, 5, 

10, 237 ; ii. 316. 

, Oceanites, ii. 250. 

, Proeellaria, ii. 2.50. 


wilsoni, Thalassidroma, ii. 250. 

Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, ii. 250. 
Winter-migrant, i. 82. 

Wio, ii. 276. 

wolji. Circus, i. 207, 247. 

Wougawouga, i. 250. 

Woodhen, xxii ; i. 89, 237, 249; ii. 
337 

, Black, ii. 112, 114. 

, Brown, ii. 115. 

, Buff, ii. 119. 

, New-Zealand, Ivii. 

, IS orth-Island, ii. 105, 114. 

, South-Island, ii. 116. 

Wood-Pigeon, i. 34, 55, 91, 250 ; ii. 79. 

, New-Zealand, Iviii. 

Wood-Bobin, i. 131, 144, 209. 
Wood-Teal, ii. 261. 

Wren, Bush-, lix ; i. 108. 

, Bock-, lix ; i. 111. 

Wry-billed Plover, xxxvii ; ii. 9, 39. 

xanthodheilus, Charadrius, ii. 6. 

, Pluvialis, ii. 6. 

Xanthornus eariineidaius, i. 18. 

Xema, ii. 59. 

jamesonii, ii. 61. 

Xenicidoe, xl, Ixvi ; i. 110, 243. 
Xenicus, Ixvi ; i. 115, 243. 

gilvive.ntris, lix; i. Ill, 243, 250. 

haasti, i. 111. 

longipes, li.x ; i. 108, 110, 243. 

stolcesii, i. 108, 243. 

Yellow-crowned Penguin, ii. 294. 
Yellow-fronted Parrakeet, lix ; i. 142. 
Yellow-head, lix ; i. 20,27, 56. 
Yellow-headed Fljxatcher, i. 56. 
YeUow-nosed Albatros, ii. 202. 

Young of New-Zealand Owl, i. 197. 

Zapornia spilonota, ii. 101. 

tahuensis, ii. 101. 

mnhrata, ii. 101. 

mnhrina, ii. 101. 

zealandicM, Columba, i. 229. 
secdandicus, Aplonis, xiii ; i. 23, 24, 25. 
zelandica, Noctna, i. 192. 
zelandicus, Parus, i. 51. 

Zostorops, xl, xli, liv, Iv, Ivi, Ixv ; i. 14, 
4.5, 52, 114, 115, ^42- 

coerulescens, liv, Iviii, lix ; i. 65, 

77, 84, 135, 136 ; ii. 338. 

dorsalis, i. 77. 

lateralis, i. 77 ; ii. 64. 

- — - strenuus, Iviii. 

tephrogdeurus, Iviii. 


THE END. 


PEIXTED BY lATLOE AND FKANCIS, BED LION COUKT, FLEET SIKEEI.